(UK) Bracknell: Autism school for 100 put on hold; SPED expected to cost $69M by 2029

June 11, 2025, Bracknell News: Forest View: Council demands answers over autism school

Near London

Cross-party councillors have written to the government seeking a 'clear and timely decision' over whether a planned school for autism will still go ahead.

Forest View, a school planned to open in Buckler's Park, Crowthorne, has been put 'on hold' by the Department for Education (DfE).

The specialist school was meant to be funded through the government's Safety Valve scheme. This delivers more specialist provision for Bracknell Forest in return for the council reducing its overspend.

But it was revealed in March that the project - which had already been delayed to open in March 2027 - was indefinitely frozen.

The Propeller Trust has been appointed to run the school, which could accommodate about 100 autistic pupils.

Now, the council's overview and scrutiny commission has written an open letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

Chairwoman of the commission Georgia Pickering wrote: "Establishing Forest View School is not only a strategic response to our Safety Valve obligations but a critical intervention to address the insufficiency of local placements and improve the lived experiences of children and families in our borough."

Once delivered, the school could save up to £63,000 [$85,000] per pupil annually. Cllr Pickering said this would be 'critical' for the sustainability for how much is spent on SEND - which is forecast to reach more than £51 million [$69M] by 2029.

The letter calls for confirmation of the capital funding 'without further delay', and a commitment to build the school 'immediately'.

If this commitment cannot be made, the DfE could approve the council's proposal to self-deliver the project through different means, the letter continues.

Cllr Pickering said if neither options are feasible, a 'clear and immediate timeline' for the project to begin again should be provided.

It comes after Ofsted found 'widespread and systemic failings' in the council's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision in April.

The report found  'too many children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) do not have their needs swiftly identified and met', with many missing 'a substantial amount of their schooling' as a result.

Executive member for children's services Roy Bailey apologised 'unreservedly' on the council's behalf.

In the letter Cllr Pickering said the urgency for the new school is underscored by Ofsted's findings.

The commission has asked for a formal response by the end of the month, so that the council and its partners can plan accordingly.