There are calls for a complete overhaul of primary school staffing.

The New Zealand Education Institution has released a report showing schools are understaffed, and teachers don't have enough prep time.

It recommends reducing class sizes, having more teacher aides, and a weekly release day.

NZEI president Liam Rutherford says the system hasn't changed much since the 90s, despite steadily rising demand.

"This change won't happen overnight, but they've set a vision for what schooling has to look like in 2030."

The report recommends the current primary school staffing model be completely revamped.

Rutherford says that includes reducing student ratios, have more teacher aides, and giving teachers a weekly release day.

"It paints a very clear picture of how inadequate we staff primary school is now.

"What they've done a really good job of is mapping out a pathway forward."

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• Primary teachers' union calls for overhaul of school staffing in new report