(UK) Bracknell Forest: Council asks DoE for new 100 place autism school
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
A new autism school could be built as part of a council’s special education strategy if approved.
Bracknell Forest Council has formally asked the Department for Education (DfE) to fully fund and deliver Forest View School, a proposed 100-place facility for children and young people with autism, to be built in Buckler’s Park.
The dedicated school has long been part of the council’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) strategy, addressing a growing demand for specialist provision in the borough.
Grainne Siggins, executive director for people at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "Following a letter from the Government in December, we worked with local partners, parent carer representatives and professionals to carefully considered the two options available.
"Our priority is to provide the best possible learning and education for our children and young people with SEND.
"We are currently offering an increased number of school places through specialist resource provision in our mainstream schools and the new social, emotional and mental health school.
"However, it was clear from our local data on SEND requirements that a special autism school alongside the specialist resource provision in mainstream schools was key to meeting the needs of our children and young people."
In mid-December 2025, the DfE presented the council with two options – either a fully-funded and DfE-delivered Forest View School or a lump sum of £5.4 million [$7.2M] spread over three years to develop SEND places elsewhere.
The council assessed the options in consultation with parent carers and partners before deciding to formally request the new school.
Officials concluded that while the funding could support the expansion of existing specialist provisions, it would not cover the full cost of building a new stand-alone school, limiting Bracknell Forest’s ability to independently deliver the project.
A new autism school is seen as essential to reduce the need for children to be educated outside the borough in special or independent schools.
Victoria Stageman, co-chair of the Bracknell Parent Carer Forum, said: "For years, we have heard local parent carers crying out for more specialist schools in Bracknell Forest.
"We heard a lot of support when an autism school was first proposed, and when plans for Forest View were released.
"The response was resoundingly in favour of the school. . . .
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