SEN Policy

1. Introduction

Gesar Karate Club CIC is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, including those with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. This policy outlines how we will ensure that our club is accessible to everyone and how we will implement the principles of equality, inclusivity, safeguarding, and health and safety in accordance with BMABA\’s national SEN policy.

2. Equality and Inclusivity

At Gesar Karate Club CIC, we are dedicated to promoting equality and inclusivity for all participants. We will ensure:

• Equal access to all club activities, classes, and events, with reasonable adjustments made to accommodate individuals with SEN.
• A culture of respect and inclusion where individuals of all abilities, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds feel welcomed and valued.
• Active efforts to prevent discrimination or exclusion of any kind, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

3. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Commitment

We recognise that individuals with SEN may require additional support to fully participate in martial arts training. As such, we will:

• Provide an environment that welcomes individuals with SEN, ensuring their needs are assessed and supported.
• Offer reasonable adjustments to training, facilities, and equipment where necessary.
• Design and deliver training sessions that are adaptable to individual needs, considering the unique abilities of each student.
• Appoint a designated club SEN Coordinator (SENCO) who will act as the point of contact for SEN matters.

4. Health and Safety

Health and safety is a top priority at Gesar Karate Club CIC. We are committed to:

• Conducting regular risk assessments, taking into account the specific needs of participants with SEN.
• Ensuring our facilities are accessible and safe for all, including the provision of ramps, adapted changing rooms, or specialised equipment where needed.
• Training staff and instructors in first aid and specific health conditions relevant to SEN participants, ensuring prompt and appropriate responses in the event of an emergency.

5. Safeguarding

We recognise that individuals with SEN may be more vulnerable to safeguarding risks. Gesar Karate Club CIC is committed to:

• Ensuring all instructors, volunteers, and staff are trained in safeguarding, with a specific focus on understanding and supporting SEN needs.
• Having clear policies and procedures in place for reporting safeguarding concerns, with immediate action taken to investigate and resolve issues.
• Providing a safe and respectful environment for all participants, including clear guidance on physical contact, communication, and supervision for those with SEN.

6. Training and Development for Coaches and Volunteers

Instructors and volunteers at Gesar Karate Club CIC will receive ongoing training to support inclusivity and SEN provisions. This includes:

• Regular training on SEN best practices, communication techniques, and adaptive teaching methods as directed by BMABA and any other relevant body.
• Encouragement to complete SEN-specific qualifications offered by BMABA and to stay informed about emerging SEN-related training resources.
• Support for the club SENCO in attending workshops or continuing professional development in relation to SEN needs and inclusivity.

7. Fair Assessment of SEN Provisions and Resources

We will ensure that all SEN provisions are fairly assessed based on reasonable adjustments and available resources. Our approach will include:

• Conducting individual assessments for each participant with SEN to determine their specific needs and to identify what adjustments are necessary and practical.
• Balancing these adjustments with available resources, including staffing, facilities, and equipment.
• Ensuring that health and safety considerations are a priority when making any adjustments.
• Regularly reviewing adjustments and resources to maintain fairness and support for all participants.

8. Complaints and Feedback

Gesar Karate Club CIC welcomes feedback and takes complaints seriously. We have established a clear process for handling feedback, especially concerning SEN provisions, to ensure continuous improvement. Our process includes:

• Clear communication channels for participants, parents, or guardians to raise concerns or provide feedback about SEN provisions.
• Prompt investigation and resolution of complaints related to SEN, inclusivity, or safeguarding, with transparent follow-up to ensure issues are addressed.
• A commitment to learning from feedback and incorporating changes where needed.
• If concerns regarding our SEN policy or procedures arise, please contact the club’s SENCO: Hjalmar Dentlinger at info.gesarkarate@gmail.com.
• If a complaint is unresolved within 28 days, it may be escalated to BMABA’s National SENCO via safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk.

9. Monitoring and Review of SEN Provisions

To ensure that we continue to provide high-quality SEN support, Gesar Karate Club CIC will:

• Regularly review this SEN policy and our practices to ensure alignment with BMABA’s national SEN policy and current best practice.
• Track the participation and progress of students with SEN to identify any potential barriers to their success and adjust provisions as needed.
• Collect feedback from participants, parents, and guardians regarding our SEN provisions, ensuring that the policy remains relevant and effective.

10. Responsibilities

The successful implementation of this policy is the responsibility of all staff, instructors, volunteers, and members at Gesar Karate Club CIC. Specific responsibilities include:

• Club Management: Ensuring the club environment, facilities, and practices align with this policy.
• Instructors and Coaches: Supporting the needs of SEN participants by making reasonable adjustments and creating an inclusive training environment.
• SENCO: Acting as the primary contact for SEN-related matters, overseeing the development and implementation of individual training plans, and ensuring ongoing communication with families and carers.
• Participants and Families: Providing feedback and working collaboratively with the club to ensure the best possible support for SEN needs.

11. Alignment with BMABA National SEN Policy

This policy aligns with BMABA’s national SEN policy, ensuring compliance with best practices and UK legislation. Regular reviews will be conducted to ensure continued alignment.

12. SENCO Contact Information

Club SENCO: Hjalmar Dentlinger

Contact Email: info.gesarkarate@gmail.com

Last Updated: 01/02/2026