Works on a new learning space are now complete, as part of a $199,000 upgrade to make Officer Specialist School more inclusive.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced the official opening of Officer Specialist School’s new learning space, made possible by funding through the Inclusive Schools Fund.

The finished project sees a brand-new, inclusive and wheelchair-accessible learning and sensory space for Officer Specialist School – helping the school better cater for the social and educational needs of their students.

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 308 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 learning and sensory space will make a real difference to the entire school community at Officer Specialist School, who will get ongoing benefits of an inclusive and accessible space – allowing 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 and the support they need.”