The recent joint inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has laid bare the serious, systemic failings in Bracknell Forest’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services.
Inspectors found delayed assessments, inadequate support, and too many children missing out on the education they deserve. These failings have had a real, lasting impact on vulnerable families across our borough.
Let’s be clear: many of these issues developed under the previous administration. But under Conservative leadership, Bracknell Forest Council had already taken major steps to address them. This included:
Securing Government Safety Valve funding to improve SEND services
Planning major investments to expand provision
Commissioning Forest View Academy, a new specialist school for autistic children
What happened when Labour took control?
They dropped the ball.
Instead of continuing the necessary improvements, Labour have stalled progress. The Forest View Academy project is now on hold—leaving autistic children and their families in limbo.
Cllr Roy Bailey, Labour’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, has offered an apology. But apologies don’t get children back into classrooms.
Cllr Robert McLean has rightly asked:
> "How will [Cllr Bailey] regain the confidence of pupils, parents and staff?"
Meanwhile, Cllr Nicholas Robertson has asked:
> "Whether the delay imposes a demand for the council to make more savings as part of the Safety Valve agreement,"
and
"What will happen to the provision for children expected to enrol at this school in March 2027."
This is not just a political issue—it’s a moral one. Families deserve action, not spin. While Labour didn’t create the crisis, they have completely failed to fix it.
Bracknell Conservatives will continue to fight for proper SEND provision, real accountability, and every child’s right to a good education.
