Funding to make Bellarine schools more inclusive

WORKS at the Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove primary schools are among 74 projects across Victoria to share in more than $12.5 million to support students with disabilities and additional needs.

The two schools will each receive $200,000 for inclusive playground equipment and upgrades in the latest round of the Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, on behalf of Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, visited Ocean Grove Primary School last week to announce the funding.

“Both Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove are great schools and I congratulate them on their ongoing work in ensuring all their students are provided with first-class facilities,” she 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 regardless of background or educational needs.”

The Inclusive Schools Fund supports the construction of inclusive playgrounds, as well as indoor and outdoor inclusive learning spaces.

Round six will fund projects such as accessible wheelchair friendly playground surfaces, quiet musical areas, and sensory zones with a range of tactile surfaces.

Since the fund was established by the Labor Government in 2015, more than 300 creative projects to build inclusive learning spaces and inclusive playgrounds have been announced.

“This funding is about giving every child the best chance to meet their potential – regardless of their background or circumstances,” Minister for Education James Merlino said.

“Disability shouldn’t be a barrier to learning and achieving – these innovative projects are all about giving our primary schools the infrastructure they need to inspire a passion for learning in all students.”

For more information about the fund and the projects it has supported, head to the Victorian School Building Authority website.