(UK) Bracknell: "Still a need" for new autism school despite "uncertainty over funding"
- The end of childhood
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Dec 23, 2025, Bracknell News: Plans for new autism school at crossroads after intervention
Plans for a new autism school are at a crossroads after Government intervention.
Bracknell Forest Council has long proposed Forest View School, a dedicated facility for autistic children and young people in Buckler’s Park, but progress has stalled due to uncertainty over funding from the Department for Education (DfE).
A letter received from the Government in mid-December has now outlined two possible options: allow the DfE to fully fund and deliver Forest View School, or accept a lump sum of £5.4 million [$7.3M] over the next three years to provide SEND school places elsewhere.
Grainne Siggins, executive director for people at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "Following a letter by the Government earlier this month, we have two options to consider as to how we provide the best possible learning and education for our children and young people with SEND.
"We must make sure their needs are at the core of our decision making.
"We have already increased the number of places available through specialist resource provision in our mainstream schools and new social, emotional and mental health school.
"However, it is clear from our local data on SEND requirements that there is still a need for a special autism school.
"Currently many children who need a special school are having to travel out of the borough to receive their education in special or independent schools."
The council has until February 27, 2026, to make its decision and respond to the DfE.
If the council opts for the £5.4 million lump sum, the funding could be used to remodel or extend existing specialist resource provisions within current schools.
It would provide the same number of school places as Forest View School but not in one dedicated school building.
The £5.4 million would also be insufficient to independently build Forest View School, ruling out the option for the council to deliver the project on its own.
Grainne Siggins said the council will thoroughly assess both proposals.
She said: "We will be developing the business case for both options, engaging with our local partners, parent carer representatives and provider trust to shape our decision."
Councillor Roy Bailey, cabinet member for children and young people, welcomed the renewed clarity from the DfE.
He said: "SEND is a priority for us, and this means we must explore all options thoroughly to make sure our young people and children with SEND get the best possible education and start in life.
"We’re grateful for the clarity from the DfE that funding for a new autism school is an option.
"We’ve previously worked as hard and fast as we can to do the groundwork for the project but couldn’t take it any further.
"Although I remain personally convinced of the need for a new Autism School, we must now look carefully at which option is best for our local children and borough."
Providing a dedicated school in Bracknell Forest for children and young people with autism has been part of the council’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) strategy for some time.
However, the letter from the Government does not indicate when the school could be built.
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