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SEND Services in Bracknell Forest

South EastUnitary Authority
Council website

Bracknell Forest, a unitary borough in Berkshire blending urban towns like Bracknell and Sandhurst with rural villages and protected wildlife areas, offers dedicated SEND support tailored to its diverse community of families. EHCP numbers here sit just above the England average and continue to rise steadily, reflecting a strong commitment to identifying needs amid growing demand, as outlined in the local SEND Strategy for 2023-2026. The area is actively improving through its SEND Improvement and Accountability Board, partnering with health services and co-producing training to enhance outcomes for children and young people. For impartial guidance, contact Bracknell Forest IASS at 01344 354011 or [email protected] - they're here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

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Schools & SEND Provision

44

Schools

3

Specialist

7

SEN Unit & Resource Bases

22,173

Total Pupils

12.5%receive SEN Support

2,769 pupils

6%have an EHCP

1,322 pupils

Services & Contacts

Local Offer

Every Local Authority must publish a "Local Offer" - a directory of all SEND services and provision in their area.

View Bracknell Forest's Local Offer

IASS

Free, impartial advice about SEND - EHCPs, school issues, exclusions, navigating the system.

Bracknell Forest IASS

SEND Team

Other Services

Family Information Service

Additional Needs Info Hub (SEND Local Offer)

New EHCPs by Primary Need

Schools

years old

Cressex Lodge School

Special
Ages 11-18Capacity: 24RG42 4DE
Social & Emotional

Hawthorn Academy

Special
Ages 11-16Capacity: 50RG40 3BT
OtherAutismSocial & EmotionalMulti-Sensory

Kennel Lane School

Special
Ages 3-19Capacity: 198RG42 2EX
AutismPhysicalModerate LearningSevere Learning

Garth Hill College

Secondary
Ages 11-18Capacity: 1550RG42 2AD
Autism
SEN unit: 56 places

Birch Hill Primary School and Nursery

Primary
Ages 3-11Capacity: 420RG12 7WW
Specific LearningSpeech & LanguageAutismModerate Learning
Resource base: 10 places

Owlsmoor Primary School

Primary
Ages 3-11Capacity: 686GU47 0TA
Speech & LanguageAutismModerate Learning

Sandhurst School

Secondary
Ages 11-16Capacity: 1136GU47 0SD
Speech & Language

Sandy Lane Primary School

PrimaryGood
Ages 3-11Capacity: 630RG12 2JG
Speech & LanguageAutism
Resource base: 14 places

The Pines School

PrimaryGood
Ages 3-11Capacity: 356RG12 7WX
AutismModerate Learning
Resource base: 20 places

Understanding school SEND provision

Schools in England provide SEND support at different levels. Here's what each type means:

Specialist School

A school that exclusively educates children with SEND. Smaller classes (typically 6-12 pupils), staff trained in specific needs, and environments designed for children who need more support than mainstream can provide. Places are usually named in an EHCP.

SEN Unit

A dedicated unit within a mainstream school, staffed by specialists. Children are on the roll of the unit but may join mainstream classes for some lessons. Offers a middle ground - specialist support with mainstream social opportunities. Usually requires an EHCP.

Resource Base

Extra resourced provision attached to a mainstream school. Children are on the mainstream roll but can access additional support, equipment, and specialist staff. Some resource bases focus on specific needs like autism or speech and language.

SEN Support (Mainstream)

Every mainstream school has a legal duty to identify and support children with SEND. This includes having a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), providing reasonable adjustments, and putting in place SEN Support plans. You don't need an EHCP for SEN Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from families about SEND support in Bracknell Forest.

To request a statutory assessment for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in Bracknell Forest, contact your child's school or early years setting to discuss your concerns first, then submit a formal request to the SEND team at Bracknell Forest Council. You can also get free advice from Bracknell Forest IASS by calling 01344 354011 or emailing [email protected] to understand the process and your rights. They will guide you on the next steps and help you prepare your request.
Bracknell Forest IASS provides free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support on SEND matters, including education, health and social care for children and young people up to age 25 and their families. They can help with EHCP applications and reviews, SEN support in schools, home to school transport, exclusions, personal budgets and understanding the Local Offer. Contact them at 01344 354011 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) or [email protected].
Bracknell Forest has 3 specialist SEND schools, 1 school with an SEN unit, and 6 schools with resource bases to support children with special educational needs. These provisions help meet the needs of the 1,322 pupils with EHCPs and 2,769 on SEN support out of 22,173 total pupils. More details on all local SEND provisions are available on the Bracknell Forest Local Offer.
The Local Offer is a guide to all SEND services and support available in Bracknell Forest, including schools, health services, social care and family support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. It helps parents understand what help is out there and how to access it. Visit the Bracknell Forest SEND Local Offer at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/children-and-family-services/special-educational-needs-and-disability/send-local-offer.

Navigating SEND in Bracknell Forest?

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