Daniel Cook
Gisborne Primary School is among 20 schools to receive funding as part of a state government disability inclusion package.
The Victorian government announced more than $1 million in new disability inclusion funding for schools across the Macedon electorate last week.
The funding is part of a five-year disability inclusion plan to ensure schools across Victoria are adequately funded to teach students in an inclusive way.
Schools can use the funding on projects that help to provide for students with disabilities, including new staff training regimes, employing staff with disabilities and new equipment.
Gisborne Primary School will receive $122,000.
Principal Julie Soutter said the school would use the money to support their existing group of students with disabilities.
“We currently support approximately 80 students across the school through small group work with our education support staff and other support provided through differentiated teaching and learning in classrooms. These students will have access to more regular, small group support from staff with greater expertise in inclusive practices,” she said.
Ms Soutter said the school would also hire more disability-support staff and pursue new programs.
“The school will have the capacity to purchase further programs, licences and technologies to support students with behaviour, wellbeing, dyslexia and other learning needs.”
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the funding allowed all schools to be more inclusive and provide a more complete education.
“This funding will enable schools in Macedon to support more students with disability, so that they can get the great education they deserve,” she said.
