AUSTRALIA RAISES THE BAR
ASSA and Western Sydney University Launch Advanced Child Development Training for Swim Schools.
The Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has announced a new partnership with Western Sydney University to deliver a world-class child development training program for swim teachers – a shift ASSA says will directly improve the learning experience for children in pools across the country.
Launching 15 January 2026, the ASSA+WSU Child Development Series for Swim Schools brings together cutting-edge research on neuroplasticity, behaviour, sensory processing and motivation.
The five-session webinar series is open globally, but ASSA expects strong national uptake as parents increasingly seek out schools with recognised professional standards.
Program Sessions:
- How Children Grow, Think and Learn in the Water.
- Understanding Behaviour and Building Calm, Confident Swimmers.
- Partnering with Families to Support Every Child’s Progress.
- The Power of Play: Inspiring Motivation and Emotional Safety in the Pool.
- Designing Programs That Include, Engage and Inspire Every Child.
Participants will learn how children grow, think and learn in the water, how to understand behaviour, how to build stronger family partnerships, how to use purposeful play to boost motivation and retention, and how to design programs that include and inspire every child.
Led by Senior Lecturer and aquatic development specialist Dr Nicole Peel, with support from gender equity scholar Dr Michelle O’Shea, this series gives SwimSchoolers powerful tools to elevate teaching and support children’s emotional, social and physical development.
ASSA CEO Luke Daly says families stand to benefit most.
“Australian parents expect high-quality, child-centred teaching,” he said. “ASSA member schools now have access to training that helps teachers interpret behaviour, support emotional regulation, and create safer, more responsive learning environments. It’s another reason to choose an ASSA swim school.”
Dr Nicole Peel, who leads the series, says the data is clear.
“Children learn more effectively when their developmental stage is understood,” she said. “A teacher who can recognise readiness or overload can prevent fear, reduce frustration and dramatically improve progress.”
Gender and inclusion scholar Dr Michelle O’Shea adds.
“Water should be a place where every child belongs. This training helps make that a reality.”
Parents seeking developmentally informed lessons are encouraged to look for ASSA member swim schools, which receive priority access to the training. More information and registrations.
Dr Nicole Peel PHD
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Dr Nicole Peel
Senior Lecturer in Recreation Therapy, Western Sydney University. Specialist in child development, aquatic therapy, inclusive program design and developmental behaviour.
Read Nicole's full bio.
Dr Michelle O’Shea
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Dr Michelle O’Shea
Senior Lecturer and gender equity scholar focusing on participation, health and inclusion in sport and aquatic environments.
Read Michelle's full bio.QUICK FACTS
- Series Title: ASSA + WSU Child Development Series for Swim Schools
- Launch Date: 15 January 2026
- Format: Five 90-minute webinars + Q&A + recordings
- Access: Open globally; discounted for ASSA members
- Core Topics: Developmental milestones, behaviour, sensory needs, motivation, inclusion, family communication
- Lead Facilitator: Dr Nicole Peel PHD
- Secondary Facilitator: Dr Michelle O’Shea
- Professional Development Hours: 7.5
- Certificate: Co-branded PD certificate
- Partnership: Australian Swim Schools Association × Western Sydney University
- Webpage: australianswimschools.org.au/child_development
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