Surfside Primary School’s secret garden

A NEW sensory garden at Surfside Primary School where pupils can emotionally regulate is in the works after receiving a state government grant.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said the $186,970 Inclusive Schools project grant will help make the Ocean Grove primary school more inclusive for local students and families.
“I congratulate the entire school community for their efforts, Surfside Primary is a great school and this initiative is to be highly commended,” Ms Neville said.
“It’s great news for students, who will get the benefits of a new inclusive space to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning.
“Disability doesn’t need to 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.”
Ms Neville announced on April 9 that Architecture Pty Ltd have been appointed to design the space, with student wellbeing co-ordinator Gill Hodgson pleased for the pupils.
“We applied for the grant last year, we have a number of students under the program for students with disabilities, we have students that are NDIS funded and we have children that aren’t funded, that will benefit from a sensory garden,” Ms Hodgson said.
“Everyone in the school community had input into the application and we built a picture of what we needed – and what the design will look like. Students will work with an artist as part of the funding, to create pieces incorporated into metal gates for the entrance of the garden.”
Ms Hodgson said a sensory garden used multiple ways to appeal to children, including different levels, surfaces, plants and sounds.
“It’s a safe, special place, particularly for children with special needs, to be able to tuck away and emotionally regulate. Children can explore their curiosity, and there will also be a built-in performance space in the garden.
“Students can use it as a ‘brain break’ and we will also work the garden into children’s emotional regulation routines. We’ve always had a whole child focus and an inclusive mindset; when children are able to emotionally regulate, they can effortlessly slide back into the learning environment.”
Since the fund was established in 2015, more than 232 creative projects to build inclusive learning spaces, outdoor sensory areas and accessible playgrounds have been announced.