What Is a Key Person?

A key person holds special responsibility for a small group of children. From the moment of enrolment they are introduced to parents and children, carry out the initial induction into the setting, and ensure that both the child's and family's needs are consistently met.

If a parent or carer has a request, question, or concern about their child's behaviour or care, they are always encouraged to speak with their child's key person first.

Before Your Child Starts

We offer induction visits before your child's first day, giving them the chance to explore their new environment at a relaxed pace. These visits are led by the child's room leader, allowing families to begin building relationships with staff before nursery begins.

Upon induction, parents and carers receive an information sheet detailing who their child's key person is and what that role involves.

Key Person Responsibilities

The key person plays a central role in your child's day-to-day experience at nursery. Their responsibilities include:

• Providing a safe, loving and caring environment for the child.
• Ensuring any individual needs are communicated and met — including dietary requirements.
• Helping the child settle into the group by making introductions, keeping a watchful eye during early sessions, and supporting integration at the child's pace.
• Meeting the emotional needs of the child and offering comfort and reassurance at any time.
• Planning learning targets and play opportunities tailored to the child's individual needs.
• Completing day-to-day feedback for parents and carers.
• Carrying out observations and maintaining records of the child's progress.
• Liaising with parents and carers and encouraging them to contribute to and participate in their child's learning.
• Being available at the beginning and end of each session to answer queries, and keeping families informed of their child's activities, eating, and wellbeing.
• Liaising with other professionals as needed — such as health visitors, social workers, and speech therapists — whilst maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Planning & Development

The key person is responsible for creating start- and end-of-term baselines for each child in their group. They plan individually for each child, ensuring regular observations are carried out and used to inform next steps in learning and development.

Continuity of Care

We understand how important consistency is for young children. In the event that a child's specific key person is absent, we operate a family group system — a designated colleague who is equally familiar with the children in that group steps in to fulfil the key person role.

This ensures that:

• Children's development continues to be supported without interruption.
• Children feel safe, secure, and cared for by someone who knows them well.
• Parents and carers always have a clear, informed point of contact within the nursery room.