All-inclusive at Kooweerup

Kooweerup Primary School principal Nathan Jagoe with students Jake, Ashley, Sienna and Blade are happy about the funding for their inclusive learning space. 175489 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Bonny Burrows

Kooweerup Primary School has received $174,700 for an all-inclusive outdoor learning space.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Daniel Mulino on 22 November announced the funding as part of the State Government’s $20 million Inclusive Schools Fund.
Kooweerup Primary School Principal Nathan Jagoe said the outdoor learning space would feature three zones that allowed students to develop their motor skills and engage in play that supported their individual learning needs.
The space will comprise of a ‘zen zone’ with a ramp-accessible gazebo that flows to an outdoor seating area with an oversized chess board and speakers to provide calming music; a ‘high energy zone’ equipped for repetitive force movements with large-scale musical equipment, and push/pull force equipment such as hand water pumps; and a ‘creative and sensory zone’ featuring a range of tactile surfaces and sensory plants.
Mr Jagoe said the school was “extremely excited” to secure the funding for its innovative project, aimed at making the school accessible for all.
“We wouldn’t have the capacity to build such an area without the Inclusive Schools Fund,” Mr Jagoe said.
“We’re very grateful.”
The Inclusive Schools Fund is a $20 million fund over four years, established to help Victorian government schools support the educational and social needs of children and young people with disabilities.
Mr Mulino said the government was happy to help Kooweerup Primary implement its innovative project which promoted an inclusive school environment.
“It’s wonderful that Kooweerup Primary School will engage in this project that will make a real difference,” Mr Mulino said.
“I encourage other Cardinia schools to come up with creative ideas about how they can be made accessible to everyone.”
Mr Jagoe said the specific design planning on the school’s learning space was expected to start in the near future.