26 March 2025

Improve child-teacher ratios

…so that tamariki can thrive, learn and be safe with quality education and attention from teachers
In Aotearoa New Zealand, teacher: child ratios in early childhood education (ECE) are regulated to ensure quality care and education. However, current ratios do not adequately support the best outcomes for children | tamariki or teacher | kaiako well-being.

The current ratios are:
- 1:5 – one teacher per five children under two years old
- 2:20 – two teachers per twenty children over two years old

Outdated ratios that no longer reflect best practice
These ratios were introduced decades ago, without research or evidence, and do not reflect modern understandings of child | tamaiti development or the needs of tamariki in ECE. Established in the 1960s, a time when outdated practices like smoking in cars and corporal punishment were widely accepted, these ratios are outdated and do not contribute to quality education and care of young tamariki.

Advocating for change: a call for a 1:4 ratio for under-three’s
In June 2024, we delivered a petition to Parliament, calling for a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio for all tamariki under three. That means one kaiako to four tamariki under three years of age attending ECE. You can read more about the petition here.

Why lower ratios matter

Individualised care and stronger bonds
A 1:4 ratio allows kaiako to provide individualised care, fostering stronger relationships with each tamaiti. This personalised attention supports social-emotional development and enhances learning outcomes.

A safer, more nurturing environment
High teacher: child ratios can create stressful, overwhelming environments for both tamariki and kaiako. When kaiako are responsible for too many young tamariki at once, basic needs like feeding, nappy changing, and rest can become rushed or compromised. Lower ratios allow for calm, responsive caregiving, reducing toxic stress for tamariki.

Better educational outcomes
With lower ratios, kaiako can observe, understand, and support the unique development of each tamaiti more effectively. A lower ratio allows tamariki to develop more secure attachments with their kaiako, leading to targeted learning experiences with better cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes.

Supporting teacher well-being and retention
High ratios contribute to burnout and stress, making it harder to retain and attract and retain skilled kaiako. Juggling multiple responsibilities under intense pressure leads many kaiako to leave the profession. By reducing ratios, we can create sustainable working conditions that support both kaiako well-being and the future of the ECE sector.

ECE funding is tied to these ratios

The current ratios and funding model create an arbitrary cut-off at age two, which leaves two- three year-olds particularly vulnerable. In reality, these tamariki have similar needs to younger infants - with some requiring nappy changes, support with developing language, and social-emotional guidance - and they miss out on comparable support due to unsuitable funding structures and ratios.

Continuing to advocate for quality ECE with tamariki and kaiako at the centre

It is widely accepted that the quality of an ECE environment increases with lower teacher: child ratios. We remain committed to advocating for low teacher: child ratios, recognising them as a core pillar of quality ECE. Along with group size and kaiako qualifications, ratios form part of the ‘iron triangle’ of quality ECE.

There’s much more that can be said about quality ECE, and our future updates will delve into other priorities from Te Rito Maioha’s Five-Point Plan.

Media Contact

Rob McCann - Lead Communications Advisor | Kaitohutohu Whakapā Matua
022 411 4560
rob.mccann@ecnz.ac.nz