At Boroondara Park Primary School (BPPS), we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, belong, and reach their full potential. That’s why we’re excited to share news about the Victorian Government’s Disability Inclusion reform, a significant step towards creating more inclusive schools for all students.
What does the Disability Inclusion reform involve?
From 2025, our school will begin introducing some changes to help us strengthen support for students with disability. Disability Inclusion will help our school better understand what our students need to learn and participate effectively at school. It involves:
- A new Disability Inclusion Profile and school funding model to strengthen support for students with disability, and
- More resources, training, and coaching for our teachers and school staff on the best ways to support students with disabilities.
The Disability Inclusion Profile will be available to help us identify the strengths, needs, and educational adjustments we can make to assist students with disability and additional learning needs. The Disability Inclusion Profile replaces the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) application process.
We will utilise new school funding and support to provide additional training and professional development for teachers and school staff, as well as expert advice on disability, to help plan and deliver changes for students, and resources to support learning.
The new Disability Inclusion approach ensures our school is better able to support students with disability and additional learning needs.
Key Features of the Disability Inclusion Reform:
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the reform focuses on understanding the unique strengths and needs of every child, helping schools like BPPS to plan and provide tailored support.
Some key features of the reform include:
- A New Funding Model: Schools will receive extra resources to support a wider range of students with disability, not just those eligible under previous funding criteria.
- Strengthened Planning: The introduction of Disability Inclusion Profiles helps schools identify the adjustments and support each student needs for learning and participation.
- Professional Learning: Staff will have access to training and resources to build skills and confidence in inclusive teaching practices.
- Whole-School Inclusion: The reform promotes creating school cultures where diversity is valued and all students feel welcome and supported.
How Will This Impact BPPS?
For BPPS, Disability Inclusion means more opportunities to:
- Work closely with families and carers to understand students’ individual needs.
- Access additional funding and resources to support students both in and out of the classroom.
- Provide professional development for staff, ensuring we’re equipped to create engaging, inclusive learning environments for every child.
- Strengthen inclusive practices across our school community, ensuring all students feel valued, respected, and included.
We’re committed to making BPPS a place where differences are celebrated, and all students can learn and grow together.
Supporting Our Community
At BPPS, we know that supporting students with disability is a shared journey. We encourage parents and carers to reach out to ask questions about Disability Inclusion or to tell us how we can best support your child’s learning needs. Our staff are here to work in partnership with you to ensure every student feels included, safe, and empowered to succeed.
To learn more about Disability Inclusion, you can visit the Department of Education Victoria’s Disability Inclusion page.
BPPS is excited to be part of Disability Inclusion, and we look forward to continuing to support our students in learning and thriving. We will invite families of students who are currently part of the PSD, as well as other students with disabilities and additional learning needs, to participate in a meeting to complete a Disability Inclusion Profile.
Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future for every student at BPPS.
For more information about Disability Inclusion, please contact us today on (03) 9857 5157.
