Specimen Hill Primary School will be able to complete a long-held plan to make its grounds more inclusive to students with additional needs.
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A $200,000 grant will see a sensory garden created for students with an autism spectrum disorder, allowing them to participate in a more positive way with classes.
Principal Wendy Jackson said it would be a wonderful development for the school.
“The (sensory garden) plan was really developed from early in the 2000s,” she said.
“Finding the resources to fund and develop it takes a lot of fundraising from the community but with this grant it becomes achievable.
“It means the school will be an environment that is inclusive of all our students who have additional needs or sensory needs.”
Ms Jackson said Specimen Hill Primary has about 30 students with an autism spectrum disorder.
The sensory garden will include flowing water, timber, plants, textured pebbles and a frog pond.
“The garden will take over a harsh space and make the physical environment much more inviting,” Ms Jackson said. “Increasingly, there are students in mainstream schools with an ASD diagnosis. Some have sensory needs, some need large muscle movement – all these things will be incorporated into the garden.
“Sometimes when students with an ASD diagnosis have a sensory overload they feel overwhelmed by the classroom. This will provide an alternate space to go to learn, calm down or be able to reengage in a positive way with the class room.”
Axedale Primary, Bendigo Special Developmental, Eppalock Primary, Chewton Primary, Kennington Primary and 87 other schools in the state have also shared in the $15.3 million of Inclusive Schools Funding.
Minister for Education James Merlino said the state government wanted to ensure every school is as inclusive as it can be for students no matter their needs.
“Schools are coming up with some great ideas. This funding (helps) make changes in schools and make a difference in how schools are inclusive,” he said.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said it was a great outcome for a number of Bendigo schools.
“Most schools would have students who have additional learning needs and we want to see even more schools encourage that support for children,” she said.
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