The Key Person Approach
Helping children feel safe, secure, and confident through trusted relationships.
Why do we have a Key Person in nursery?
Having a Key Person is a really important part of nursery life and is a key requirement of the EYFS - Early Years Foundation Stage. It helps children feel safe, secure and confident while they are with us. Starting nursery can feel like a big change, and a Key Person gives your child a familiar, trusted adult who knows them well and supports them every day.
What is a Key Person?
Your child’s Key Person is a named member of staff who:
- Builds a close, caring relationship with your child
- Helps them settle into nursery
- Gets to know their routines, interests and individual needs
- Acts as your main point of contact
Why is a Key Person so important?
Supporting development through connection
The EYFS highlights that children learn best through secure relationships. A Key Person helps by:
Emotional Security
Your child knows there is always someone who understands them and will comfort and reassure them when needed.
Confidence & Independence
When children feel safe, they are more confident to explore, play, and try new things.
Learning & Development
The Key Person closely observes your child and helps plan experiences that support their next steps in learning.
Parent Partnerships
Sharing updates, listening to your knowledge of your child, and working together to support development.
How this links to the EYFS
The EYFS requires all children to be assigned a Key Person to:
- Meet their emotional needs
- Support positive relationships
- Ensure care and learning are tailored to the individual child
This approach recognises that children thrive when they feel understood and valued.
How It Works
How do we choose a Key Person?
Your child’s Key Person will be chosen by your child – through secure attachments. This will be whoever they form the strongest relationship within the room with – if the practitioner is scheduled on the same days as your child.
What if my child’s Key Person is absent?
We also assign a Secondary Key Person for your child, so if their primary Key Person is absent – or taking a well-deserved break – they have another special adult who knows them well too.