I agree. Flashcards is totally inappropriate at 21 months old - whether they said they would do them or not, it is totally unnecessary. Children learn through play, practical and real life situations. Flashcards will not be used until she is in a pre-school setting - after the age of 3 and even then, used as a consolidation tool from what has previously been taught and learnt.
Whether she is there 1 morning, 1 day or 5 days a week, she should be experiencing all aspects of 'learning through play' and that includes art work. There are ways and means of encouraging a child to do an activity, even at that age and using the excuse 'she doesn't want to' is really just an excuse - not a reason. Does she participate in lots of creative play at home? It could be the way in which the nursery nurses/assistants are asking/telling/encouraging her that could be a turn off or maybe there are too many activities going on at once and too many distractions.
Photos - I can understand if there aren't many if she's only there one morning a week - not a lot of time to be able to evidence her play and learning experiences. A child who is there 5 days a week WILL have more evidence in his/her folder.
Shoes - you need to provide medical evidence (a letter) to show them that she needs her shoes on. In our setting (school) we will not give special treatment unless we have proof. unfortunately, there are some parents who will make up stories just to get their own way - hence the policies most childcare/educational establishments have.
The next room - she isn't 2 yet so they don't actually HAVE to move her. Are you sure you haven't misheard or misinterpreted what was said?
Pencils - she's learning and experimenting. She will go back and forth with her grip. She isn't even two yet - don't be rushing for her to advance or grow up. Accept her learning path for what it is. Encourage but don't criticise. My DS (21 months) holds a pencil correctly MOST of the time but sometimes he will revert back to a solid hand grip - usually depending on the writing implement.
It sounds like you aren't happy. You have plenty options.
- Stick it out. Give them medical evidence about the foot and accept that she won't have much photographical evidence in her folder. Do art work at home and don't stress about the pencil.
- Move nurseries - but accept that you will find the same problems regarding pencils, photos and room changes.
- Increase her time at nursery to 2 or 3 mornings if you can afford it. My DS goes to a childminder twice a week during school holidays so he has regular contact with his peers (aged