I worry we cannot meet all children’s wellbeing and learning needs

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

I am new to whānau manaaki and am grateful to be a part of this community. However I was concerned about the high ratios as research shows lower ratio’s are linked to high quality for tamariki. I am very fortunate to be part of an amazing team who are committed, passionate and extremely hardworking, led by an excellent leader. However I am coming to terms with the vast amount of mahi and stretching our team is trying to accomplish with 1:10 ratios. We have a high amount of children under learning support, add to this settling children, young children near 2 and a large group size – the feeling of being overwhelmed and really stretched in regards to meeting all our tamariki’s learning needs feel’s vast. I worry we cannot meet all children’s wellbeing and learning needs to the standard they deserve and we as a team want to deliver

What will it take to fix staff to student ratios?

Ratios need to be changed for the sake of tamariki as is backed up by research. They also need to be fluid or flexible linked to certain dynamics eg How many children under learning support, and a system to tier the amount of time/support each child requires.

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

Equitable and high quality outcomes for all our tamariki. Kaiako who are proud knowing they are meeting the learning needs of all tamariki equitably.