1:10 [ratio] does not work in our current climate.

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

1:10 does not work in our current climate. We now have more under threes [children aged under 3 years old] that have specific care requirements and like all tamariki they deserve the very best care and attention. The current ratios do not allow or consider the changing nature of the mahi we do. Work load is increasingly demanding and there have been times I’ve felt completely burnt out, ready to leave for my own wellbeing but choosing to stay as I love the work I do and the importance of delivering high quality learning for tamariki. With increased complexities for tamariki, whānau and community there a times when quality diminishes when trying to take care of day to day tasks.

What will it take to fix staff to student ratios?

Reduce the staff to child ratio in recognition of the complexities of the work we do. Implement a ratio specific to two year old tamariki.

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

*Sigh of relief* time to talk, to teach, to listen, to respond, to make meaningful mean something again. As a kaiako I would be in a space where the important mahi I do is valued and tamariki have kaiako who are better able to engage, support and deepen their learning.