[Poor ratios mean] all our time [is spent] responding to social and emotional competencies.

What does the issue of staff to student ratios mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

Children are being bitten, pushed, hit, punched, bullied, bathrooms flooded, meals times loud and stressful, two year olds not getting their emotional needs responded too, three and four year olds learning not being responded too for a sustained period of time; all issues that could be addressed successfully with lower ratios. Lower ratios for two year olds especially in a mixed age group. All our time [is spent] responding to social and emotional competencies.

What will it take to fix staff to student ratios?

More teachers and relievers.

When we fix staff to student ratios, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

More time to respond authentically to children’s learning.