Inclusive play: Upgrades to playgrounds at Leopold and Wallington schools

TWO schools on the Bellarine are among those sharing in more than $6.6 million in upgrades through the latest round of the Inclusive Schools Fund.

The fund supports small building projects that make a big difference to the educational and social needs of all children and young people, including those with a disability and additional needs, by increasing participation opportunities and improving learning outcomes.

Leopold Primary School will receive $178,480 and Wallington Primary School will receive $180,440, and both schools will use their respective funding for the installation of an inclusive playground and modern play equipment.

Wallington Primary School principal Glen Lauder said the grant would replace the existing playground with equipment accessible to all the school’s pupils, and hoped work would be complete in the latter half of 2022.

“It’s fantastic news for the school. The equipment there is starting to get pretty tired, so it’s a really good outcome to be able to have it done.

“The students have had some say (in the application), and will hopefully have more say when we come to finalising designs and setting what the new playground will look like.”

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville announced funding for both schools last week.

“I’m pleased students at both Leopold and Wallington Primary schools will have access to more inclusive spaces through the latest round of the Inclusive Schools Fund, and I look forward to seeing the finished project in the very near future,” Ms Neville said.

More than 340 projects have been funded through the Inclusive Schools Fund, providing primary, secondary and specialist schools with new facilities such as outdoor sensory gardens and learning areas, specialist play and recreation equipment, and adapting indoor learning spaces to be more accessible to all.

The 2021/22 Victorian Budget invested $10 million into the Inclusive Schools Fund, building on an allocation of $20 million in the 2020/21 budget.

The state government launched the Inclusive Schools Fund in 2015 to help Victorian schools cater for all students, and make sure all children and young people can fully participate, learn, develop and succeed.

Since then, $70 million in funding has been awarded to inclusive projects.

The next round of funding is expected to be launched in early 2022.

“The Education State is all about ensuring every Victorian child has the best opportunities to succeed – regardless of differences – and small projects like these make a world of difference to students of all abilities,” Minister for Education James Merlino said.

“Congratulations to all the successful applicants, I look forward to seeing these wonderful projects come to life to support more students to fully participate and succeed during their school life.”