Our Key Person Approach at Springwell Park

At Springwell Park, we recognise that children thrive from a base of loving and secure relationships. We are proud to say that we have a highly passionate and competent staff team, and all of our Springwell team go above and beyond to formulate strong relationships with all children. With this said,  we ensure that every single child within our Early Years has their very own Key Person to help accelerate those positive relationships. Our Key Person approach occurs within each of our EYFS provisions - 2Y room, Nursery, and Reception. 

What is a Key Person and what do they do?

A Key Person is a named member of staff who will act as your child's very own special grown up. The Key Person will spend time building up a strong, secure relationship with your child and with you, your child's adult. A Key Person enables your child to grow secure, trusting relationships and helps with your child's transition and settling period into their new year group. It involves the Key Person responding sensitively to children's feelings and behaviours and meeting emotional needs by giving reassurance, as well as physical needs, such as toileting. The Key Person is a familiar figure who is accessible and available as a point of contact for parents. 

Why is a Key Person Approach Important?

Records of development and care are created and shared by the key person, parents and the child. Small groups foster close bonds between the child and the key person in a way that large groups cannot easily do. These groups allow the key person to better ‘tune into’ children’s play and their conversations to really get to know the children in the group well. Children feel settled and happy and are more confident to explore, and as a result, become more capable learners.

Attachments are the emotional bonds that young children develop with parents and other carers such as their key person. Children with strong early attachments cry less when separated, therefore they engage in more pretend play and sustain attention for longer and their sense of who they are is strong. Being emotionally attached to such an adult helps the child feel secure that the person they depend on is there for them.  When children feel safe they are more inclined to try things out and be more independent. They are confident to express their ideas and feelings and feel good about themselves. Attachment influences a child’s immediate all-round development and future relationships. This is why a Key Person Approach is vital. 

Who is my child's Key Person?

Each child is allocated a Key Person as they begin their time within each Early Lead phase. Parents and Carers will be notified who their child's Key Person is. If you are unsure or need a reminder, please do not hesitate to ask the staff within your child's setting.