As a reliever I work in different centres, where there are different communities of course.

What does the issue of sick leave mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

As a reliever I work in different centres, where there are different communities of course. It is my observation that different communities have different disease out breaks at different times. I am therefore much more frequently exposed to the many different types of circulating viruses.

As a reliever I don’t get any sick leave (unless I have already been booked in advance and then call in sick). If I was financially stressed I would have to take relieving work even when unwell – not recommended but I know this happens to others.

The impact on Tamariki is that they are being cared for by teachers who are not at their best and the best outcomes for children are not always met.

What will it take to fix sick leave for kindergarten teachers?

Make some provision for sick leave for relievers.

When we fix sick leave, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

Better community outcomes.