Schools across Victoria will share in funding to build all-access play areas, sensory gardens and outdoor learning areas to support students with disabilities and additional needs, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Mt Waverly North Primary School to announce a further 53 projects across the state thanks to an extra $10 million from the Labor Government’s Inclusive Schools Fund.

Mt Waverly North Primary School is receiving $200,000 to create an inclusive outdoor accessible play space which will transform a concreted area in the school to a covered area with synthetic grass to facilitate a wide-range of sports.

It’s one of many innovative ideas through this round of funding, which include accessible kitchen gardens, wheelchair-friendly playground surfaces, quiet musical areas, a bush playground and sensory zones with a range of tactile surfaces.

The $40 million Inclusive Schools Fund is helping government schools better cater for the social and educational needs of young people with a disability and additional needs. This is the fifth round of grants under the Fund.

Since the Fund was established by the Labor Government in 2015 more than 232 creative projects to build inclusive learning spaces, outdoor sensory areas and accessible playgrounds have been announced.

The Fund is ensuring that students with disabilities get the same opportunities as other students.

Inclusive education is about ensuring that all students, regardless of disabilities or other differences, can fully participate, learn, develop and succeed in Victorian government schools.

The Labor Government is building the Education State to ensure every student can access a great local school and get a great education.

Strengthening inclusive education for all students, including those with disabilities and additional learning needs, is fundamental to an equitable and excellent school system.