The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victorian government schools build inclusive play areas, sensory gardens and learning areas through the Inclusive Schools Fund.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that MSM Associates will design works to be undertaken at Lardner and District Primary School to deliver an outdoor inclusive learning space, including a shade structure, water feature and landscaping.

MSM Associates will also design works to be undertaken at Nilma Primary School to deliver an outdoor inclusive learning space, including new play equipment, a water feature and shade sails.

Ms Shing also announced that Cohen Leigh Architects will design works to be undertaken at Drouin Primary School to deliver an outdoor inclusive learning space, including decking and landscaping.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes $10 million for the Inclusive Schools Fund to help make our schools more accessible and inclusive for young people with a disability and additional needs.

Since its inception in 2015, the fund has supported over 300 primary, secondary and specialist schools to build inclusive indoor and outdoor learning spaces as well as accessible playgrounds.

Inclusive education is about ensuring that all students, regardless of disabilities or other differences, can fully participate, learn, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools.

The Labor Government is building the Education State to ensure every student can access a great local school and get a great education.

Strengthening inclusive education for all students, including those with disabilities and additional learning needs, is fundamental to an equitable and excellent school system.

In the past seven years, the Victorian Government has invested more than $10.9 billion in building new schools and more than 1,700 school upgrades, creating around 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries. It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 62 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“This new space will make a real difference to students in Lardner, Nilma and Drouin, who will get the benefits of new inclusive spaces to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning.”

“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.”