More students with disability and additional needs will have the support they deserve thanks to a funding boost by the Victorian Government – delivering a new inclusive outdoor learning space for Stratford children.
Tom McIntosh MP joined school principal Kate Steele to announce that Stratford Primary School will share in more than $9 million to create facilities suitable for students of all abilities, as part of Round nine of the Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund (ISF).
Stratford Primary School is receiving $299,566 through the Fund, giving Stratford students of all abilities more chances to play, learn and socialise through a new outdoor learning space.
The project will expand on the school’s successful wellbeing program by providing students with a new outdoor learning facility next to the kitchen garden for classes, play, and weekly mental wellbeing sessions.
Since its establishment, around 420 creative projects have been funded through the transformational program, helping build inclusive learning spaces and specially designed accessible playgrounds – ensuring all students are able to fully participate, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools.
The Labor Government launched the ISF in 2015 to help schools cater for students whose additional needs require extra facilities. A total of $80 million has been invested to deliver these works throughout Victoria.
The Government is investing nearly $1.6 billion in the Disability Inclusion program to better respond to the needs of students with disability, ensuring they can participate and achieve their full potential at school and beyond.
This year, another $235 million is giving more students with disability the support they deserve, with a focus on students in specialist schools – as well as supporting parents and carers of children with disability with things like out-of-school-hours care and space for specialist medical appointments within special schools.
For more information about the Inclusive Schools Fund, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/inclusive-schools-fund
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“We’re ensuring every child and young person in Victoria can meet their potential and access great education.”
“We’re proud to continue investing in the Inclusive Schools Fund – giving schools the infrastructure they need so more students can fully participate and succeed in their years of schooling and beyond.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn
“Our landmark Disability Inclusion reforms are supporting students of all abilities to thrive at school. We’re making sure that this has a lasting impact by not only investing in facilities to help students thrive, but also making it easier for parents and carers to access the essential services they need.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“These upgrades at Stratford Primary will help students get the best education possible. Well done to Kate and the team at Stratford for all that they do for local students including this fantastic upgrade.”
