Inclusive play space set for school

A NEW inclusive playground is on the way for students at Inverleigh Primary School thanks to grant from the State Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund.

The school will receive nearly $200,000 to build a new outdoor play space, which principal Steven Trotter will replace their much-loved current one.

“The dated playground serves a purpose but probably doesn’t meet the inclusive demands that we’re looking for in a school environment,” he said.

“This new one is not just a few slides and swings. It’s actually identifying a couple key areas in a playground.

“There’ll be passive play areas for kids that want to engage without being active. They’ll be active play areas with climbing, and then dynamic areas with moving things and sounds.”

Established in 2015, cash from the Inclusive Schools Fund has supported more than 340 projects in schools throughout Victoria with the aim of providing greater accessibility for students.

The support is the latest development for Inverleigh Primary School following the introduction of a CCTV camera system and therapy dog earlier in the year.

Mr Trotter said he expects the new playground to be delivered around late 2023 following consultation with parents and students.

“We’ll get feedback about what the kids actually want in their playground, what the parents value and what the staff value,” he said.

“It’ll be about getting a real balance and something for the diverse needs of the kids when they play. This playground will offer a range of opportunities to build those social dynamics.

“This funding is phenomenal and it’s a reflection of the work that’s been done in the school and the growth in the community, that the school’s getting some additional support where it’s needed.”