New outdoor learning space for riddells creek students

Students at Riddells Creek Primary School will enjoy a new outdoor learning space thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $20 million Inclusive Schools Fund.

Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited the school to meet with staff and students, and announce a $140,000 grant for the project.

In addition to this latest grant, the school also received $100,000 towards the project in the first round of funding in 2016, with construction of the new outdoor learning space expected to start in March this year.

The new outdoor learning space will include a wheelchair-accessible kitchen garden, raised garden beds, wide pathways, a free standing shed and shaded awning, as well as a playground and learning space.

Riddells Creek Primary School is one of 24 schools sharing in $3.6 million for new facilities under round two of the Inclusive Schools Fund.

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.

The Labor Government also provided $155.8 million in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 to improve the facilities available to students with special needs, including $58.5 million to upgrade 20 special schools across Victoria.

More information about these projects is available at: www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Riddells Creek Primary School is leading the way in building an inclusive school environment for children of all abilities."

"Facilities like the outdoor learning space will better support the social and educational needs of children with a disability, because all Victorian students should have the opportunity to thrive and succeed."