Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel proud of what they can do. For children with special educational needs, finding an activity where they feel understood and supported can make a huge difference. As a family-run school, inclusion has always mattered to us, and we’re proud to hold a BMABA SENCO award for inclusive teaching. This article explains how we support students with SEN and what parents can expect.
What “SEN-friendly” means in practice
SEN covers a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, sensory processing differences, anxiety and learning difficulties. Every child is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What we offer is a consistent framework and the flexibility to adapt within it.
Structure and routine
Many children with SEN thrive on predictability, and Wing Chun classes are naturally structured. Every class starts with a bow, follows a familiar pattern of warm-up, basics, partner work and focused practice, and ends with a bow. The same core movements are repeated regularly. That routine helps children know what’s coming and reduces anxiety.
If a change is coming up, such as a grading or a different activity, we try to give warning so it doesn’t come as a surprise.
Clear, calm communication
- Short instructions. One step at a time, with clear language.
- Show, then tell. Demonstrating a movement is often clearer than describing it.
- Consistent cues. The same words for the same actions, every class.
- Calm voices. Our instructors are firm but never shout at children.
- Checking understanding. We ask children to show us, rather than just asking “Do you understand?”
Pacing and flexibility
Some children need more time to learn a movement. Others need breaks to regulate. We allow for both. A child who needs to step to the side for a minute can do so, and rejoin when they’re ready. We never force a child to take part in something they’re not comfortable with.
Partner work is carefully managed. Instructors choose partners thoughtfully and stay close by. Sparring, which is part of our children’s class, is always age-appropriate, controlled and supervised, and children only take part when they and their instructors feel they’re ready. For some children that comes later, and that’s absolutely fine.
Sensory considerations
Our full-time training centre is a consistent, familiar environment, which helps. It isn’t a hired hall that changes from week to week. If your child is sensitive to noise, touch or busy spaces, tell us. We can think about where they stand, how contact in drills is introduced and how to help them settle when they arrive.
Working with parents
Nobody knows your child better than you. Before a first class, we’d love to hear about your child’s needs, what helps them and what to avoid. Parents are welcome to watch from our viewing area, and many find it helps their child to know they’re nearby. We’ll keep talking with you as your child progresses, sharing what’s going well and anything we’re working on.
Progress at their own pace
Children work through coloured sashes, and each child is put forward for grading only when they’re ready. For many children with SEN, earning a sash is a real milestone. It shows them, and everyone else, that effort leads to achievement.
The benefits parents tell us about
- Improved coordination and body awareness.
- Better focus and listening.
- More confidence in a group setting.
- A positive outlet for energy.
- Friendships with other children in class.
Every child’s journey is different, and we celebrate progress in whatever form it takes.
Safeguarding
All our instructors are DBS checked. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mike Crump, and a member of our team holds the BMABA Lead Safeguarding award. You can read more about who we are on our about us page.
Getting started
Our children’s class is for children aged 5 to 11 and runs Monday to Friday, 6:00 pm to 6:55 pm. You can find more on the children’s Wing Chun classes page. We’d recommend a quick chat before your first visit so we can prepare. Call, text or WhatsApp me on 07821 126 685. When you’re ready, book a free trial class, or see our full timetable on the Wing Chun classes in Halesowen page.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen