TWO State Government grants have helped a local school provide a top-quality learning environment for its students by upgrading to new state-of-the-art facilities.
Cobdogla Primary School received a School Grant and Disability Access Program funding from the Department for Education to help upgrade facilities and create a sensory room for a special needs student.
Principal David Ness said the school’s junior primary facility needed a major revamp.
“To enable the upgrade, the school utilised a $60,000 maintenance grant and a $300,000 Disability Access Program grant,” he said.
“The school then contributed additional funds to complete the project, it’s basically a brand new building”.
“Our enrolments have increased with 22 receptions this year – our highest ever – so the school’s governing council supported the investment for a new junior primary hub to provide the best learning facilitates possible for our students.”
The Disability Access Program grant has helped improve outcomes for a child who requires specialised learning.
“With the funding we were able to build a sensory room for our student, Brock, who has complex needs,” he said.
“Prior to building the room, the school sought advice about the best learning environments for students with disabilities.
“Brock has enjoyed spending time in the room and using the specialised equipment we’ve purchased which includes a nest swing, ball pit, peanut ball, crash mat and soft-play Bosu.
“The room is an inclusive space and can be used by any student. It has sensory equipment, soothing music, and special activities.
“The modern area is sound-proof and environmentally friendly, with new furniture and we will soon receive a technology equipment upgrade.”
“We’ve also created an outdoor learning area which gives students the opportunity to complete a wide range of activities in an all-weather outdoor learning space.”
Mr Ness said the governing council and school community were impressed with the upgrades.
“Everyone has been excited watching the school grow and evolve,” he said.
“Brock’s parents in particular were so grateful for the new sensory room and we’ve seen an improvement in Brock’s learning.”
“We have a positive school culture, evidenced by our history of high academic achievement and outstanding sporting recognitions. The inclusive sensory room and new junior primary hub ensures we can offer the best learning environments for all students.”