Victorian specialist schools can now apply to build a hydrotherapy pool at their school, thanks to a $25 million Andrews Labor Government investment.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today visited Southern Autistic School in East Bentleigh to announce applications are now open for schools to apply for a pool through the Hydroptherapy Pools for Specialist Schools Fund, which supports government specialist schools to plan, design and build new hydrotherapy pools.

The Labor Government has delivered $7.3 million, two-stage redevelopment of Southern Autistic School, which is now open – including new classrooms and specialist spaces for music and food tech, an administration building, a library and canteen.

The Hydroptherapy Pools for Specialist Schools Fund will support the construction of around 7 new pools, building on the 25 pools already in use across metropolitan Melbourne, regional and rural Victoria.

Hydrotherapy is a valuable treatment for children and young people with disability, offering a host of benefits including improving physical health and wellbeing.

Having access to a hydrotherapy pool for these important treatments at school minimises the need for students to take time away from school for appointments and reduces the travel burden on parents and carers – and schools can also share pool facilities with neighbouring specialist schools.

The $25 million Hydrotherapy Pool for Specialist Schools Fund is part of a wider $235 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to support students with disability or additional needs in schools.

This includes $121.7 million to continue and expand High Intensity Outside School Hours Care across 30 specialist schools, $21.2 million to introduce NDIS Navigators into all specialist schools by the end of 2025, and $31.8 million to providing specialist transport through the Students with Disabilities Transport program.

Applications for the Hydrotherapy Pool for Specialist Schools Fund can be made at schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/hydrotherapy-pools-for-specialist-schools-fund. Applications close on 6 October.