The Andrews Labor Government is giving Victorian schools extra resources to support students with disabilities and ensure every child, no matter their background or circumstance, gets a great education.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced each Victorian government school will share in more than $7 million in Inclusion Boost funding to strengthen their inclusive education policies and practices.
The Inclusion Boost is part of the $61 million suite of inclusive education initiatives announced by the Labor Government last year that give extra support to children and young people with disabilities.
The funding and guidance will allow schools to:
- Educate teaching and support staff to ensure students with disabilities and additional needs can participate in all education and training activities on the same basis as their peers
- Develop an inclusion and diversity policy which reflects their commitment to be including of students of all backgrounds and abilities
- Educate parents and the school community about the inclusion and diversity policy, through community engagement and local promotion activities such as online, printed collateral or at school assemblies and parent forums.
This extra support will help schools to reflect on, understand and strengthen how they support students with disabilities. It also builds the expertise of teachers and school leaders through a broad range of tools, resources and professional learning.
The Inclusion Boost funding will also form part of the comprehensive inclusive education reform agenda that is ensuring that students of all abilities and their families feel welcome and thrive at school.
Supporting students and young children with disabilities and additional needs, and strengthening inclusive education is a key Andrews Labor Government Education State priority.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re supporting our schools to make sure that all students feel welcome, accepted and engaged so that they can participate, achieve and thrive in school and life.”
“Building the Education State means making sure everyone can access a great education – no matter their circumstances.”
“We want to give every child, every chance, and it’s essential disability isn’t a barrier to that.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020