New $10 million fund to make schools more inclusive in macedon

Government schools across Macedon will now be able to apply for funding to build more inclusive and equitable facilities under a new $10 million Fund unveiled by the Andrews Labor Government.

The new $10 million Inclusive Schools Fund has been established to help government schools better support the social and educational needs of children with a disability, by providing funding to build best practice inclusive school facilities.

Applications are now open, with successful projects due to be announced by the end of the year.

At a visit to Gisborne Primary School, the Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas urged local schools to be creative and innovative with their ideas in their applications.

"There are great examples of schools across Victoria making interesting and stimulating learning and play spaces which meet the requirements of all students, including those with special needs such as autism," Ms Thomas said.

The Inclusive Schools Fund is one of nine initiatives in the Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools to ensure that students with disabilities get the same chances as other students, and fulfils a key election commitment.

The new $10 million Fund is in addition to the annual Accessible Buildings Program that is available to all government schools to provide facilities that support students, parents and teachers with injuries or disabilities.

Applications close on 16 November 2015. Schools can download the guidelines and application form for the Inclusive Schools Fund at www.education.vic.gov.au/specialneedsplan

Quotes attributable to the Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"Our new $10 million Inclusive Schools Fund is part of our Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools. It will help to make our schools even more inclusive and equitable for students with disabilities and special needs such as autism."

"We want all students in Macedon – regardless of ability, circumstance or postcode, to have the skills and opportunities they need to be their best."

"This Fund will support our schools across Macedon to build best practice, inclusive school facilities."

"This is all part of the Labor Government’s almost $4 billion investment to make Victoria the Education State."