More students with disability and additional needs will have the support they deserve thanks to a funding
boost by the Allan Labor Government – delivering more inclusive play areas and outdoor learning spaces
for local children.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett announced Talbot, Napoleons and Beaufort primary schools will share
in more than $9 million to create facilities suitable for students of all abilities, as part of Round nine of
the Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund (ISF).
Talbot Primary School has welcomed almost $300,000 to create an all-season outdoor learning and
gathering space, while students at Napoleons Primary School will benefit from a more than $110,000
investment to replace their current unsafe playground with an in inclusive and accessible one and Beaufort Primary School has received almost $170,000 to install rubber softfall for its junior and senior
playgrounds – helping give students of all abilities more chances to play, learn and socialise.
Since its establishment, around 420 creative projects have been funded through the transformational
program, helping build inclusive learning spaces and specially designed accessible playgrounds – ensuring
all students are able to fully participate, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools.
The Labor Government launched the ISF in 2015 to help schools cater for students whose additional
needs require extra facilities. A total of $80 million has been invested to deliver these works throughout
Victoria.
The Government is investing nearly $1.6 billion in the Disability Inclusion program to better respond to
the needs of students with disability, ensuring they can participate and achieve their full potential at
school and beyond.
This year, another $235 million is giving more students with disability the support they deserve, with a
focus on students in specialist schools – as well as supporting parents and carers of children with
disability with things like out-of-school-hours care and space for specialist medical appointments within
special schools.
For more information about the Inclusive Schools Fund, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/inclusive-schoolsfund.
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“We’re making sure every student can meet their potential and access great education – no matter where
they live or what their abilities are, and I’m thrilled that Talbot, Beaufort, and Napoleons students will
benefit from these inclusive upgrades.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“We’re proud to continue investing in the Inclusive Schools Fund – giving schools the infrastructure they
need so more students can fully participate and succeed in their years of schooling and beyond.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn
“Our landmark Disability Inclusion reforms are supporting students of all abilities to thrive at school.
We’re making sure that this has a lasting impact by not only investing in facilities to help students thrive,
but also making it easier for parents and carers to access the essential services they need.”
