A guide to the key person approach

What is the key person approach?

The key person approach is one of the vital principles in the Early Years Foundation Stage and is now a statutory requirement of the frame work. It is a reciprocal relationship between a member of staff, individual child and their family. It provides the child with a sense of security so that they feel confident to explore their world and form further relationships.

Every child deserves to be special to someone and the key person approach recognises this.

What is the role of the key person?

The role of the key person is to know their individual children and to support their sense of identity and individuality. They need to be aware of their individual child’s and families, preferences and development.

The key person will usually be the person who welcomes the child and carer to the nursery and help to settle the child into the session. They would also be the main person providing the child’s intimate care such as nappy changing, putting them to sleep and physical closeness. Any information shared with the parents is also done through the key person.