Mt Evelyn Special Development School disrepair appalling

A FORMER support staff member and parent at Mt Evelyn special school has talked about the dire state of the classrooms. This is her story.

Yarra Ranges Special Development School students and parents unhappy about funding for their school. Picture: Stuart Milligan

AS A former support staff member working at Mt Evelyn Special Development School I have a very good insight into the state of absolute disrepair this school is in.

Virtually no funding has gone into the school since I left three years ago, I can only imagine it has gotten worse.

My son Billy is a student at the school and being aware of all of the risks and hazards and lack of adequate facilities of this rundown school, it makes it very difficult to send my son off to school each day, knowing that there is really no other choice.

RUN-DOWN YARRA RANGES SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL STATE ELECTION PLEDGE

YARRA RANGES SPECIAL DEVELOPMENTAL SCHOOL PLEAS FOR FUNDING

I know without any doubt that he does not have access to the same standard of education, environment or opportunities that most other kids have, that goes for special education in general, however this is even more of an issue at this school.

If members of the public could walk through these buildings, they would be appalled.

As many students travel to and from school on a specially operated bus, I’m not even sure how aware some of their parents are about the state of this school.

Every child in this county should have the right to both a decent education as well as a decent learning environment and that is something that Mt Evelyn SDS is not.

STUDENTS KEPT IN PORTABLE CLASSROOMS

PUSH TO REOPEN LYREBIRD COLLEGE

These children have specific needs when it comes to facilities for both physical as well as social, emotional and behavioural support including ceiling hoists which can’t be flitted to the current buildings and areas for sensory processing and self regulation, however, with the current resources and lack of funding, the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in our community are not being met.

The staff at the school are extremely dedicated, however, in what can be a very challenging environment, staff are under pressure to provide students with very specific support and without the right facilities, these needs are virtually impossible to meet, let alone provide a proper education.

It is beyond repair and the small amount of funding given to the school was only enough for a masterplan and to begin the first stages of one building, which is now at a standstill after lack of clarity around who pays for demolished building removal.

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