Opportunities are, however, missed to extend children's vocabulary though the introduction and explanation of new words. In role play or in play with puppets, children enjoy using language imaginatively. They use language to negotiate. For instance, during an activity in the home corner relating to the preparation of a meal, two children agreed who was to cook and serve the meal and who was to eat it. Some, but not enough, work is done on the recognition of letters and their sounds.
Children enjoy looking at books and make good use of the book corner.
They learn the direction of text as they look at books with a member of staff. They recognise their name cards on arrival. Their pencil control is appropriately developed, for example, in stenciling activities. They have some opportunities to write individual letters and their names but the absence of paper and pencils from role-play situations reduces the scope for them to practise their emerging writing skills. Overall, worthwhile work is done to encourage children's learning in mathematical development.