VICTORIAN students have been promised specialised support if the National-Liberal Coalition wins at the November election, unveiling its new ‘Successful School Starters Program’.
State Member for Shepparton District Kim O’Keeffe has backed the program, which promises access to specialist support to assess, refer and diagnose neurodiverse students when they start primary school.
“This is a first of its kind program in the country,” said O’Keeffe. “The Successful School Starters Program will commence in every Victorian prep classroom from Term 1, 2028, with occupational therapists and speech pathologists embedded within the existing Primary School Nursing Program.
“For many families, navigating assessments and specialist services can be overwhelming. This new program will make that process easier by helping parents get the answers they need sooner,” O’Keeffe said.
The Program forms part of the Nationals’ and Liberals’ ‘Excellence in Education Plan’.
Students requiring further specialist review and diagnosis will also be eligible for a $500 subsidy towards their initial special appointment, helping to reduce out of pocket costs.
