- Parliamentary Secretary for Schools
South Gippsland Specialist School has received a grant to make their school more inclusive for students with disabilities and additional needs, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Parliamentary Secretary for Schools Tim Richardson today announced a $200,000 grant for an accessible playground at the school including a swing, agility course, sand area, play hut, tunnels, ladders and water play area.
The playground will also have rubber matting to create a smooth surface, helping students with mobility issues to easily access all areas.
This is one of 53 projects across the state being funded from the additional $10 million announced in this year's budget, as part of the Labor Government's $40 million Inclusive Schools Fund.
This round of grants will fund a range of innovative ideas such as accessible kitchen gardens, wheelchair friendly playground surfaces, quiet musical areas, a bush playground and sensory zones with a range of tactile surfaces.
The Inclusive Schools Fund is part of the Labor Government's commitment to inclusive education, which is ensuring that students with disabilities and additional needs get the same opportunities as other students.
Since the Fund was established by the Labor Government in 2015 more than 230 creative projects to build inclusive learning spaces, outdoor sensory areas and accessible playgrounds have been announced.
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 noted by Parliamentary Secretary for Schools Tim Richardson
"These innovative projects help remove barriers to learning and participation, supporting the inclusion of all students regardless of their circumstances."
"The Inclusive Schools Fund is about providing schools with the support and facilities they need to be even more inclusive."
"As we build the Education State, we're continuing to invest in schools to ensure students of all abilities can access a great education - regardless of their circumstances."
"This is great news for South Gippsland students, who will get the benefits of new inclusive spaces to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning."
