Prime times – The role of the key person

Each child must be assigned a key person as required by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Babies and young children need to form a secure attachment to a key person when they join Gan Kinneret Nursery Limited so that they feel safe, happy and eager to participate and learn.

The key person role

• A key person builds an ongoing relationship with the child and their parents or carers and is committed to that child’s well-being while they are in the setting.
• Every child is allocated a key person before they begin settling in; it is not left to the child to choose.
• Where possible, a back-up key person is also identified for each child to fulfil the role when the main key person is absent.
• The key person conducts the progress check at age two for their key children.
• The role is explained to parents and carers at induction. The names of both the key person and back-up key person are recorded on the child’s registration form.
• The key person is central to settling a child into the setting. The setting manager and key person explain the settling-in process and agree a plan with parents.
• Shift patterns and staff absence can affect children who are just settling in; where possible, settling is planned for times when the key person is on duty.
• The number of children allocated to each key person reflects individual needs, staff capacity and part-time patterns. Consistency is aimed for; for example, matching part-time staff to part-time children.
• Photographs of key persons and their key groups are displayed clearly so that children and families can recognise them.
• The key person spends time each day with their key group to ensure their well-being.

Parents and carers

• Key persons are the first point of contact for parents about matters concerning their child.
• Key persons support parents and carers in their role as the child’s first and most enduring educators.
• The key person is responsible for the child’s developmental records, completing the progress check at age two and sharing information about progress with parents and carers.

Learning and development

• The key person ensures that each child’s learning and care is tailored to meet their individual needs.
• This is achieved through regular observation and assessment, using information about each child’s achievements, interests and learning style to plan next steps.
• If a child’s progress in any of the prime areas gives cause for concern, the key person discusses this with the setting manager or SENCo and with parents or carers.

Prime times

The key person role is further explained in the prime-time procedures for settling in, mealtimes, intimate care, sleep and transitions. The key person also maintains other responsibilities for key children, such as administering medication and signing accident records, in line with setting policies.

Back-up key person

• The back-up key person steps in when the main key person is absent or unavailable, helping to provide a stable and consistent care relationship.
• The back-up key person is identified when the child starts but is not introduced as such until an attachment has begun to form with the key person.
• The back-up key person gradually builds a relationship with the child until the child is comfortable being cared for by them.
• In the key person’s absence, the back-up key person shares information with parents and carers and records relevant notes in the child’s records.
• The back-up key person ensures that information is passed back to the main key person.

Safeguarding children

• The key person has a responsibility to report any concerns about their key children’s development, welfare or protection to the setting manager and to follow safeguarding procedures.
• Regular supervision with the setting manager provides further opportunities to discuss the progress and welfare of key children.
• The back-up key person has the same duty in the key person’s absence.