Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region visited Jindivick Primary School today to meet students and staff, and to hear all about their plans to create a garden that’s enjoyable for everyone.

Jindivick Primary School is set to provide further support to students with special needs thanks to a $35,000 grant from the Andrews Labor Government.

The grant forms part of the Labor Government’s new Inclusive Schools Fund, which is providing $10 million over four years to build inclusive school facilities and help government schools better support the social and educational needs of young people with a disability.

The 33 projects in this first round of the Inclusive Schools Fund include the construction of outdoor areas, accessible playgrounds, sensory spaces and equipment

Jindivick Primary School is going to have a new outdoor sensory area, which will allow all the children in the school the opportunity to discover and explore in their own way.

The Fund is one of nine initiatives outlined in the Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools. A key election commitment, the Special Needs Plan aims to ensure that students with disabilities get the same chances as other students.

The Fund is in addition to the annual Accessible Buildings Program, which provides government schools with funding for facilities to support students, parents and teachers with injuries or disabilities.

Schools unsuccessful in the first round of the Inclusive Schools Fund will be encouraged to apply in future rounds.

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria

“I want to congratulate Jindivick Primary School for its excellent initiatives to support students with disabilities and special needs. The new outdoor area will convert a large part of the school yard into a range of spaces for students to engage in high-energy play, quiet reflection and to experience the joy of being in a sensory garden.”

“To become the Education State we need to ensure equity for all – where Victoria’s success in education doesn’t depend on a child’s background, their abilities or where they live. The Special Needs Plan is helping us achieve this vision by giving students with disabilities the same chances as other students.”

“Great schools are at the heart of every community and the Andrews Labor Government has committed to a set of ambitious but achievable targets to improve outcomes for every student, in every classroom, in every community.”

“Labor is making Victoria the Education State by ensuring that every community has access to great schools, supporting our teachers and principals to be their best, and ensuring that every student has the chance to succeed, in learning and in life.”