Inclusion News

As I sat down to write for this issue of the newsletter, it dawned on me that many people in our school community may not actually know what Disability Inclusion is all about. You’ve probably heard the term—it’s becoming more common across Victorian government schools—but what does it really mean for our students, our classrooms, and our community?

Disability Inclusion is a major education reform in Victoria aimed at ensuring that every child—no matter their needs—can participate, grow, and succeed at school. It moves us away from asking, “Does this student qualify for support?” and instead focuses on, “What support will help this student learn best?”

At Cranbourne South Primary School, this shift shows up in a number of meaningful ways. It means we are strengthening our commitment to:

• Understanding each student’s strengths, interests, and learning profile
• Providing purposeful adjustments to help students access the curriculum
• Collaboratively planning through Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Using student data and teacher expertise to guide decisions

• Supporting teachers with coaching, professional learning, and evidence-based strategies

   

A key part of this reform is the Disability Inclusion Profile—a structured, team-based process that brings together families, teachers, leaders, and support staff to create a detailed picture of how a student learns and what adjustments they need. It’s collaborative, thorough, and designed to make sure students get the right support at the right time.

As we continue this journey at CSPS, our focus is on building consistency across the school, refining our systems, and making sure that adjustments aren’t just written in plans—but are genuinely embedded into everyday teaching and learning. \

We’re excited to keep working with our families as we strengthen our inclusive culture—a culture where every student is valued, every learner belongs, and every child has what they need to thrive.

If you ever have questions about Disability Inclusion or how we support students with additional needs, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Joseph Meade

Disability Inclusion Learning Specialist