James Sunderland urges the Government to release additional funding for Bracknell Forest Council to support the special education needs and disability (SEND) units at Sandhurst and Edgbarrow schools and to commit to fully funding the new SEND school in Crowthorne.
James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)
Q8. Bracknell Forest Council has a particular challenge with special educational needs, and I am keen to support it. I am grateful to the Government for the recent SEND review, the significant increase in resources and the bespoke safety valve programme for Bracknell, but additional school places are needed now. Will the Prime Minister please agree today to release the funding for our new SEND units at Sandhurst and Edgbarrow schools, and commit to fully funding up front our new SEND school in Crowthorne? (902250)
The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting how Bracknell Forest Council has worked positively with the Department for Education through the safety valve programme. As part of that agreement, the council will receive £16 million in extra funding over the next few years to provide the vital education that his constituents deserve. I am told that the Department is still reviewing capital bids for the safety valve programme, but it will be in touch with local authorities directly as soon as possible.