Builder chosen for school’s inclusive playground

AN INCLUSIVE playground for Ocean Grove Primary School has moved one step closer with the appointment of a builder for the $200,000 project.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville recently announced BDH Construction had secured the contract for the playground, supported by the state government’s Inclusive Schools Fund.

The 2021/22 State Budget included $10 million for the Inclusive Schools Fund to help make Victorian 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.

“This new playground when complete will make a real difference to students at Ocean Grove Primary School who will get the benefits of new inclusive spaces to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning,” Ms Neville said.

“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.”

The Victorian government says 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 allocated 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 says 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.