By Kyra Gillespie
Cardinia Primary School and Pakenham Springs Primary School are two of 93 schools across Victoria sharing in $15 million to build all-access play areas, sensory gardens and outdoor learning areas to support students with disabilities and additional needs, under the latest rounds of the Andrews Labor Government’s $30 million Inclusive Schools Fund.
Cardinia Primary School is receiving $200,000 to create an accessible playground and Pakenham Springs Primary School is receiving $130,000 to create an indoor and outdoor reflective learning space.
The fund is helping government schools better support the social and education needs of young people with a disability.
The Inclusive Schools Fund is helping government schools better support the social and educational needs of young people with a disability.
Since it was established in 2015, nearly 90 creative projects to build inclusive play spaces, outdoor learning areas, sensory gardens and calm spaces have been delivered.
The Inclusive Schools Fund is part of the Government’s Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools, which is ensuring that students with disabilities get the same opportunities as other students.
Inclusive education is about ensuring that all students, regardless of disabilities or other differences, are able to fully participate, learn, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools.
“As we build the Education State, we’re continuing to invest in schools to ensure students of all abilities can access a great education – no matter their circumstances,” Minister for Education James Merlino said.
“These projects are all about giving our primary schools the equipment and infrastructure they need to inspire a lifelong passion for learning for all of their students and to show that disability isn’t a barrier to learning and achieving.”
More information about these projects is available at: www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.
