ABSTRACT
If provision in school is to be suitable for four year olds an appropriate ratio of adults to children is crucial. Children of this age need a sufficient number of adults to help them feel secure and confident and to practise their use of language, which is developing rapidly at this age. The findings from the study support the view that an appropriate ratio is one that allows adults to interact with the children and be involved with their activities, observing them as individuals and intervening at the right moment to extend their learning.
