The Croxton Special School in Thornbury is set to create an even better experience for students as its Inclusive Schools project gets underway.

Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous announced that Bryant Alsop Architects have been appointed to design the school’s $198,000 Outdoor Sensory Play Area.

The funding boost will go towards creating a play space that is part of the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Program and will help students develop skills and achieve their potential.

The specially designed play will promote skills including self-regulation, emotional control, sensory processing, motor skills and social skills. All vital for achieving students own independence.

The project is funded by the additional $10 million that was announced in the 2019-2020 State Budget, as part of the Labor Government’s $40 million Inclusive Schools Fund.

It comes on top of the schools recent grand opening of their redevelopment as well as the announcement late last year of funds to support the creation of a Permaculture Food Forest - a garden and outdoor learning centre to help students learn about eating well, skills for life and, for some, to create a pathway to a job.

The Inclusive Schools Fund is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to inclusive education, which is ensuring that students with disabilities and additional needs 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.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous

“This school is such an amazing part of our community and things just keep getting better and better for students at Croxton. This new outdoor sensory space will be another brilliant addition to the school and give Croxton students even more opportunities to learn and thrive.

The inclusive schools program has been a win for schools across the electorate of Northcote and I look forward to continuing my work to deliver improved facilities for our local schools.”