New autism school funding confirmed

Bracknell Forest Council has received confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has accepted the request to pay for and build a new autism school in the borough. 

In February, the council formally asked the DfE to fully fund and deliver a new 100-place autism school in Buckler’s Park (Forest View School). 

This followed a letter in December 2025 where the council was asked to choose between either of these 2 options:

1. The DfE fully funding and delivering Forest View School.
2. A lump sum of £5.4 million over the next 3 years to provide SEND school places elsewhere.

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.

The decision to ask the DfE to fully fund and deliver Forest View School was made after reviewing local data and carefully considering the options with partners and parent carers. 

As part of the drive to get the school built as soon as possible, Cllr Helen Purnell, leader of the council, Cllr Megan Wright, cabinet member for children, young people and health, and Peter Swallow, Bracknell MP, met with Josh MacAlister, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (DfE), on 24 March. They impressed on the minister that the school is urgently needed. This was understood by the minister who took on board the need to have this school as soon as possible. 

The DfE will now work on revised timelines for building the new school. 

Grainne Siggins, executive director for people, said: 

“We’re delighted the DfE has accepted our request to fully fund and build a new autism school in Bracknell Forest. This will provide a much-needed and much-wanted 100-place specialist school in our borough. It will complement the specialist SEND provision we have in several of our mainstream schools. Our priority is to provide the best provision to ensure all local children and young people achieve the best possible outcomes and fulfil their potential.”

Cllr Megan Wright, cabinet member for children, young people and health, said: 

“Naturally, the delay in getting the new autism school built has been disappointing for our local SEND families, children and young people. The council worked at full pace to do the groundwork for the new school, but we were unsure if the funding was still available. Therefore, it is great news that the DfE has confirmed the money is available and the school will be built.   

“This means we are one step closer to having the right SEND school place provision within our borough, which will help ensure our children and young people get the education they need and deserve. We have stressed to the minister that we need this school as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving the revised timetable and working with the DfE during the building of this new school.”

Victoria Stageman, co-chair of the Bracknell Parent Carer Forum, said:

“Bracknell Parent Carer Forum is very pleased that families’ voices have been heard and that the autism school at Buckler’s Park has been approved by the DfE. The data clearly shows a need for more specialist places, and this reflects what parent carers have consistently told us.

“However, families have also been clear that this should not be an either/or situation. Bracknell Forest needs both additional specialist placements and stronger support for children and young people with SEND in mainstream education.

“We therefore welcome this as an important step forward, while continuing to highlight the need for further capacity, earlier intervention and meaningful investment in mainstream provision.”

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