Minister for Education James Merlino today joined Member for Mordialloc and Andrews Labor Government’s Ambassador for the Special Needs Plan (School Capital), Tim Richardson, at Chelsea Heights Primary to announce the first 33 projects to be built under a $10 million program for students with special needs.
They include the construction of outdoor areas, accessible playgrounds, sensory spaces and equipment (see list below for further details about individual projects).
The project grants form part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund, which is providing $10 million over four years to build inclusive school facilities and help government schools better support the social and educational needs of young people with a disability.
Chelsea Heights Primary will use its $200,000 grant to transform its school hall into an interactive sensory space and multipurpose area suitable for physiotherapy.
The Fund is one of nine initiatives outlined in the Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools. A key election commitment, the Special Needs Plan aims to ensure that students with disabilities get the same chances as other students.
The Fund is in addition to the annual Accessible Buildings Program, which provides Government schools with funding for facilities to support students, parents and teachers with injuries or disabilities.
Schools unsuccessful in the first round of the Inclusive Schools Fund will be encouraged to apply in future rounds.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This is about transforming hundreds of young lives over the next four years by giving schools the opportunity to realise their vision for a truly inclusive school.”
“The Special Needs Plan is helping us achieve this vision by giving students with disabilities the same chances as other students who do not face the additional challenges of a disability.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
“The upgrade to the Julie Elliot Centre under the Inclusive Schools Fund will provide a new sensory learning space, which will enhance the learning outcomes of the more than 350 students.”
“I want to congratulate Chelsea Heights Primary School, Principal Jane Satchwell and Assistant Principal, Pia Licciardo and wonderful parents and students for realising the School’s vision of excellence for every child and look forward to working with them through this exciting time. “
Successful school in the first round of the Inclusive Schools Fund:
| School | Project | Funding |
| Ararat North Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $30,000 |
| Ascot Vale Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $30,000 |
| Avondale Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $20,000 |
| Belgrave South Primary School | Playground equipment | $100,000 |
| Bendigo Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $150,000 |
| Billanook Primary School | New outdoor sensory area | $8,800 |
| Brunswick North Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning space | $60,000 |
| Chelsea Heights Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning space | $200,000 |
| Coolaroo South Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $54,000 |
| Eaglehawk Secondary College | Creation of inclusive learning space | $195,000 |
| Grovedale West Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $13,500 |
| Horsham West and Haven Primary School | New outdoor sensory area | $20,000 |
| Huntingdale Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning space | $93,095 |
| Irymple Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning space | $17,000 |
| Jackson School | Playground equipment | $46,000 |
| Jindivick Primary School | New outdoor sensory area | $35,000 |
| Kilberry Valley Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning space | $200,000 |
| Kingsbury Primary School | New outdoor sensory area | $65,000 |
| Lorne - Aireys Inlet P-12 College | New outdoor sensory area | $35,000 |
| Manor Lakes P-12 College | New outdoor sensory area | $200,000 |
| Moolap Primary School | New outdoor sensory area | $22,290 |
| Mount Waverley Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $60,000 |
| Myrrhee Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning space | $65,000 |
| Preston North East Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning space | $190,000 |
| Riddells Creek Primary School | New outdoor learning space | $100,000 |
| Rockbank Primary School | Creation of inclusive learning spaces | $23,000 |
| St Albans Primary School | New outdoor sensory area | $20,000 |
| Sunbury Primary School | New outdoor sensory area | $20,000 |
| Surfside Primary School | Playground equipment | $10,000 |
| Templestowe College | Creation of inclusive learning spaces | $200,000 |
| Warracknabeal Special Developmental School | Creation of inclusive learning spaces (indoor and outdoor) | $50,000 |
| Waverley Meadows Primary School | Improvement of existing learning spaces | $30,000 |
| Woodville Primary School | Playground equipment | $28,112 |
Reviewed 19 August 2020