This approval signifies a crucial milestone, acknowledging the collaborative efforts between Bracknell Forest Council, schools, health services, parent carers, children, young people, and other partners. The jointly developed plan aims to improve special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services within the borough. The government's endorsement reflects confidence in the plan and the local partnership's ability to enhance support for young people with SEND.
For families, the plan ensures a continued focus on improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. It also aims to strengthen collaboration between education, health, and social care services, fostering a more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable SEND system. Progress will be measured and monitored to ensure tangible differences for families.
The government has set clear expectations, committing to work alongside the partnership through quarterly reviews and ongoing monitoring to ensure improvements are delivered swiftly and progress is evidenced. Grainne Siggins, executive director: people, stated, “The approval of our Local SEND Reform Plan is an important milestone for Bracknell Forest. The plan reflects the commitment, expertise and determination of partners across education, health, social care and the voluntary sector. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the development of the plan, particularly our parent carers, children and young people, whose experiences, insights and challenge have helped shape our priorities and ambitions for the future.”
Siggins added, “Having an independent view of our plans gives us the confidence that we are on the right path. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain focused on delivering ongoing meaningful improvements that lead to better experiences, better support and better outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families over time.”
Cllr Megan Wright, cabinet member for children, young people and health, commented, “Improving local SEND services remains a key priority for the council. We are pleased the DfE has formally approved our Local SEND Reform Plan. This approval recognises that our plan has met the required threshold and provides a solid foundation from which our local area partnership can move into the delivery stage.”
She further noted, “The DfE’s approval also acknowledges our commitment to strengthening the local SEND system and the positive steps we have made so far. Although our plan is still at an early stage of delivery, the local area is determined to ensure the agreed improvements are felt by children, young people and families in their day-to-day experiences.”
Nicky Clark, chair of Bracknell Forest Parent Carer Forum, welcomed the publication, stating, “The Bracknell Forest Parent Carer Forum welcomes the publication of the Local SEND Reform Plan. The real work now begins in turning the ambitions set out in the plan into meaningful improvements for children and young people with SEND and their families.”
Clark continued, “We will continue to work alongside Bracknell Forest Council, health and care partners, education settings and wider stakeholders to support the delivery of the plan. Our role is to ensure that the lived experiences of parent carers remain at the heart of decision-making, providing both support and constructive challenge where needed.”
The plan's approval makes Bracknell Forest Council eligible for a High Needs Stability Grant, covering 90% of its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit accrued up to the end of the 2025/26 financial year, with an indicative allocation of £29 million. This is in addition to £9 million previously received through the Government’s Safety Valve programme. The grant is designated for reducing the historic deficit and associated financing costs, not for new SEND services or other council spending.
This approval signifies the next phase of improvement, with the council, families, and partners collaborating to deliver enhanced support, stronger services, and better outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
