Wellington 3 May 2024 – The Teaching Council welcomes the commitment of the government to resourcing professional
learning for early years teachers, and the resources to support them to teach young learners to read. We agree that more
prescription in some areas of our curricula would be helpful.
Most teachers are familiar with the strategies that form part of structured literacy along with other teaching
strategies. This knowledge is just one factor. Teachers design learning for their class, but also adapt their practice
where needed to ensure every child is learning and being successful.
However, challenges teachers face go well beyond the actual teaching strategies. Teachers are working with large numbers
of children at a time and are asking for more support to manage the behaviour and wellbeing of young children who may
not yet have learned to relate to others, that have suffered trauma, or who have neurodiversity, or disabilities that
need specialist support.
Teaching is complex, and we suggest the government also listen to teachers and the teaching profession about where
resourcing can make the most difference.