Why Ratios Matter More Than You Think

How teacher-to-child ratios shape emotional safety, behaviour, learning and belonging

When parents select an ECE service, ratios are often viewed as a technical regulation rather than a crucial factor in their child’s wellbeing. But the truth is, ratios are one of the most powerful elements of quality early childhood education.

Better ratios allow:

• More individual time for each child

• Greater emotional connection and responsiveness

• More time for meaningful observation and learning support

• Reduced overwhelm, reduced challenging behaviour, calmer environments

• Teachers able to teach — not just supervise

  
  

Children thrive when adults have time to build real relationships, understand their cues, and support them through big feelings, transitions and new learning. Teachers thrive too — reducing burnout and turnover.

This is why improving ratios was a major part of my advocacy at the Ministerial Advisory Group hui last week in Christchurch. We discussed how realistic funding could make it possible for more centres to operate with better ratios rather than being forced to reduce quality to survive.

🧠 The Neuroscience Behind a Calm Learning Environment

Research shows that when children feel emotionally and physically safe, their brains can shift out of stress-mode and move into learning-mode. One recent article explains:

“Before a child can learn, their brain needs to feel safe. When children feel secure, the brain’s stress response settles, allowing the prefrontal cortex — the part responsible for thinking, reasoning, and memory — to fully engage.” Teaching Shapes what Matters

Other studies also highlight that cluttered, noisy, overstimulating environments hinder a child’s attention and emotional regulation — while calmer, supportive spaces promote better concentration, social-emotional growth and cognitive development. The Voice of Early Childhood+2He Kupu+2

So when we talk about “ratios”, what we’re really talking about is the foundation of high-quality learning: space, relationships and calm.

Better ratios benefit everyone — tamariki, kaiako, and whānau.And they reflect the kind of future-focused investment Aotearoa needs.