SEND & Inclusive Practice Policy

McKinstry Family Karate
February 2026
Version: V1.0/20022026
Approved by: Chief Instructor (Sa Bom Nim)
Review Date: 12 months from issue

Revision Record

V1.0/20022026 – First Issue – 20/02/2026 – Published

1. Policy Statement

McKinstry Family Karate is committed to providing a structured, disciplined, and safe training environment in which all students can develop confidence, skill, and character.

We recognise that students may present with:

  • Special Educational Needs (SEN)

  • Neurodivergent profiles

  • Physical disabilities

  • Long-term medical conditions

  • Temporary injuries

We will make reasonable adjustments where safe and practicable within a structured group martial arts setting.

Inclusion operates alongside:

  • Safety

  • Technical integrity

  • Fairness to all participants

  • Clear behavioural standards

Safeguarding takes precedence over inclusion at all times.

2. Legal & Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

  • Equality Act 2010

  • Children and Families Act 2014

  • SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years)

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • McKinstry Family Karate Safeguarding Policy

  • McKinstry Family Karate Safe Practice Policy

McKinstry Family Karate operates as a service provider under the Equality Act 2010 and is committed to making reasonable adjustments while maintaining safety, proportionality, and operational integrity.

3. Training Model & Operational Boundaries

McKinstry Family Karate is:

  • A structured martial arts school

  • A group training environment

  • Instructor-led and ratio-controlled

  • Curriculum-based and progressive

We are not:

  • A therapeutic service

  • A behavioural intervention unit

  • A one-to-one specialist SEN provision

  • A clinical or medical rehabilitation facility

Participation takes place within a structured group model. Adjustments must be compatible with this structure and the safe supervision ratios of the class.

4. Reasonable Adjustments Framework

Reasonable adjustments may include:

  • Clear, concise instruction

  • Demonstration-led teaching

  • Predictable class structure

  • Structured partner matching

  • Modified drill intensity

  • Adapted expression of technique where medically appropriate

  • Regulation or sensory breaks where practicable

Adjustments must:

  • Be safe

  • Be proportionate

  • Be sustainable within instructor supervision capacity

  • Not compromise the safety or learning environment of other students

Reasonable adjustments do not require the removal of behavioural expectations or safety standards.

5. Three-Stage Adjustment & Review Model

Stage 1 – Light Adjustment

Minor instructional adaptations delivered within normal class structure.

Stage 2 – Structured Support

Where further support is required, this may include:

  • Agreed communication cues

  • Defined regulation break structure

  • Modified drill format

  • Clear behavioural expectations

  • Structured parent communication

Stage 3 – Participation Review

Participation may be reviewed where, despite reasonable adjustments and collaborative discussion, the level of supervision or adaptation required exceeds what can be safely and sustainably provided within a structured group training environment.

Decisions will be:

  • Based on documented safety and risk considerations

  • Proportionate to the circumstances

  • Discussed openly with parents/carers

  • Applied consistently to all students where similar safety thresholds arise

The Chief Instructor retains final authority in matters of safety and participation.

6. Inclusive Grading & Assessment

Grading within McKinstry Family Karate is inclusive by design.

Assessment is based on demonstration of principle, control, and understanding — not natural athleticism, flexibility, physical advantage, or speed alone.

Physical expression may vary between individuals due to:

  • Age

  • Development

  • Injury

  • Medical condition

  • Physical structure

  • Additional needs

Standards are not lowered. Safe and proportionate adaptation of expression may be permitted where appropriate. Safety and control remain mandatory for progression.

Monthly tag tests provide structured dialogue between instructor and student to identify limitations, adjustments, and developmental focus areas in line with the philosophy of the art.

7. Universal Grading Assessment Criteria

Structure & Foundation (Jaseh)

  • Stances (Jaseh)

  • Balance & Posture

  • Structural Alignment

  • Chamber & Recovery

  • Correct Sequence of Movement

  • Tension & Relaxation (Contraction / Expansion)

  • Rotational Power Generation (Hu Ri)

  • Breathing (Ho Hup)

Rotational power generation (Hu Ri) refers to the coordinated transfer of force through the body appropriate to the individual’s physical structure. Expression may vary depending on physical capability. The principle of effective power transfer must remain evident.

Technical Execution

  • Technique Execution

  • Flow & Rhythm

  • Structure & Flow

  • Timing & Accuracy

  • Target Awareness

  • Chamber Quality

  • Power Generation

  • Use of Angles

Control & Safety

  • Control & Restraint

  • Power & Regulation

  • Partner Safety

  • Control Under Pressure

  • Control & Compliance

Control is a prerequisite for progression. Unsafe behaviour disqualifies technical performance.

Tactical & Conceptual Understanding

  • Distance & Timing

  • Tactical Awareness

  • Understanding of Application

  • Realism & Effectiveness

  • Effectiveness Under Pressure

  • Intent & Purpose

Spirit & Martial Presence (Chung Shin)

  • Spirit (Chung Shin)

  • Kihap / Yang Ki

  • Confidence & Presence

  • Attitude & Respect

  • Composure

  • Intent & Intensity

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following significant safeguarding incidents, operational concerns, or legal updates.

All instructors must adhere to this policy and maintain appropriate safeguarding and SEN awareness training.