We are increasingly working with children with complex additional needs. The 1-10 ratio does not take this into consideration.

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

In our current role we are increasingly working with children with complex additional needs. The 1-10 ratio does not take this into consideration. Also the lack of special educational workers to support these children is almost non-existent. This then has a huge impact on the teaching team to “teach” all children in our community with quality teaching, which kindergarten is known for.

What will it take to fix staff to student ratios?

Lower ratios and more additional support for children with additional and complex needs.

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

It will free up the teaching team to work with all children equally.