Councillors at Bracknell Forest have written to the government to seek a ‘clear and timely decision’ over whether a planned school for autism will still go ahead.
Forest View is planned to open in Buckler’s Park, Crowthorne, but 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 until 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 per pupil annually.
Cllr Pickering said this would be ‘critical’ for the sustainability of how much is spent on SEND – which is forecast to reach more than £51 million 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 continued.
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.
It was unanimously agreed by all members of the commission, made up of cross-party councillors, to send the letter.
