Riddells creek students celebrate their special new outdoor space

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas visited Riddells Creek Primary School alongside Catherine Andrews, wife of Premier Daniel Andrews to celebrate with students the opening of the school’s new outdoor inclusive learning space.

The $240,000 outdoor learning space was funded from the Andrews Labor Government’s $20 million Inclusive Schools Fund, aimed at making schools more inclusive and equitable spaces for students with special needs.

The funding helped realise the school’s vision to transform its yard into a creative and restorative learning space to improve the health and wellbeing of all students.

The recently completed space includes a wheelchair- accessible edible garden, a music garden, sensory play areas, quiet alcoves and a purpose built shed and veranda that provides a specific place for classes to gather.

Riddells Creek Primary School is one of 88 schools that have shared in $12.1 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 school also used the occasion to commemorate the passing of much-loved student Lily De Haas, by having a special sign placed at the garden’s entrance. A large crowd gathered in the garden this afternoon to mark its opening and pay tribute to Lily.

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."