THE CAUSES:
SENDism is not caused by a single failure or decision.
SENDism is reinforced by underlying forces that shape systems, decisions and expectations.
These causes are supportive pillars and help explain why the same patterns of disadvantage continue and why meaningful change has been difficult to achieve
in school, in work, in society, in life.
THE 5 PILLARS
The underlying factors that sustain SENDism
WHY THIS MATTERS
Understanding the underlying factors helps explain why
These pillars do not operate separately — they reinforce each other.
Together, they shape systems, influence professional practice and inform public perception.
The same patterns
repeat across systems
Support regularly
falls short of need
Meaningful change remains difficult to achieve
Once patterns are highlighted they are much harder to ignore.