[Better ratios will mean] more time to spend quality time with the children

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

Now that kindergartens are taking children from age 2, it has changed the way the environment can be set up. Less things that can be dumped/transported, climbing equipment safe enough for 2year old’s, carpentry either non existent or very rarely etc. Also more two year old’s brings a lot of different challenges and we could do with another teacher in the ratio so we can better focus on learning opportunities rather than picking up the pieces of a busy toddler who is still developing social skills. Also lots of time spent changing nappies!!

What will it take to fix staff to student ratios?

An extra teacher in the team.

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 spend quality time with the children during activities and setting up more invitations to play.