By Mikayla van Loon
Croydon Special Developmental School received a visit from local State members on Wednesday 1 June to view the progress of the upgrades to its facilities.
Education minister James Merlino and eastern metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra attended the school for a tour of the new administration building, hydrotherapy facilities and gym.
The allocation of $11.75 million in the 2022-23 budget will be a huge benefit to students and teachers with modern and up-to-date facilities to provide the best care and education to young people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
“Croydon SDS educates kids who have moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, so you’ve got kids in wheelchairs but also those with severe intellectual disabilities and the school has been around for a long time but it’s getting much needed upgrades and maintenance,” Ms Terpstra said.
“So $11 million, it’s a great announcement and really well deserved out there as well [because it’s] also making sure that every child no matter what their background or disability, they have access to education.”
The school was established on the current site in 1990 and is now educating 75 students aged five to 18 years.
Funding in recent years has contributed to building an inclusive playground and outdoor learning space, as well as refurbishing relocatable buildings.
Croydon SDS is a select entry school that sees students come from across the state to have their educational needs met by specialist teachers and facilities.
