Work on a school for autistic children that is currently on hold could be entirely paid for by the government as part of a proposed plan, a council said.
Bracknell Forest Council said Forest View School, planned for Buckler's Park in Crowthorne, could be fully funded and delivered by the Department for Education (DfE).
But the authority said it has been given the alternative of receiving a £5.4m lump sum over three years to create the same number of places for children with special needs elsewhere.
It said that money would not cover the full cost of the new school - the plan for which was put on hold in April - and it will consider the choices before responding to the DfE by 27 February 2026.
"We have already increased the number of places available through specialist resource provision in our mainstream schools and new social, emotional and mental health school," the council's executive director for people, Graham Siggins, said.
"However, it is clear from our local data on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) requirements that there is still a need for a special autism school.
"Currently many children who need a special school are having to travel out of the borough to receive their education in special or independent schools.
"We will be developing the business case for both options, engaging with our local partners, parent carer representatives and provider trust to shape our decision."
Roy Bailey, the council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "SEND is a priority for us, and this means we must explore all options thoroughly to make sure our young people and children with SEND get the best possible education and start in life."