Unlocking the role of a Key Person in Early Years (part 2)

Remember three-year-old Gracie, the child with the blank stare clutching her worn-out monkey? What about Kanye and Leila, sitting on the floor feeling frightened and upset?

Do you have a child in mind? Someone who craves attention in your early years setting.

A child with a story to tell, without the communication, social and emotional skills they need to tell it.

The role of the statutory key person for all these children is crucially important, and whether you are an experienced key person or new to the role, it’s vital that we keep reflecting on our practice. The key person eases children’s transition from home to nursery through purposeful, well-timed action. But they also have a crucial role in promoting young children’s learning and development once they’ve settled into their new environment.