The government could pay in its entirely for work on a new school for autistic children in Berkshire, which has been paused since April, but has left the local authority to make some difficult decisions.
Bracknell Forrest Council has been given the option of allowing the government to complete Forest View School, in Crowthorne, or to receive a £5.4 million lump sum over three years to create a similar number of places for SEND pupils elsewhere.
The council said the Crowthorne project had been stopped due to a lack of clarity over who was to fund it. The money on offer would not cover the full cost of the new school, but it will consider the alternatives before responding to the Department for Education by 27 February 2026.
it is clear from our local data on SEND requirements that there is still a need for a special autism school
The council said that “providing a dedicated school in Bracknell Forest for children and young people with autism has been part of the council’s SEND strategy for some time. However, the letter from the government does not indicate when the school could be built.
“The funding option could be taken to remodel or extend some existing specialist resource provisions within schools. This work would be controlled by the council, including timescales. It would provide the same number of school places as Forest View School but not in one dedicated school building.”
Graham Siggins, the council’s executive director for people, said: “We have already increased the number of places available through specialist resource provision in our mainstream schools and a 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.
“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.”
Roy Bailey, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, added: “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.
“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.”
