The Role of the Key Person

We believe that children settle best when they have a key person to relate to, who knows them and their parents well, and who can meet their individual needs. We want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in the setting and to feel secure and comfortable with staff. We also want parents to have confidence in both their child’s well-being and their role as an active partner with the setting.

Parents/carers will be introduced to their child’s key person when they join the Pre-School. We try to match the days the child is attending with the sessions worked by the staff member undertaking the role of key person. However on occasions this can prove difficult when children or staff change sessions so we have a “buddy” system to provide a back up member of staff. All staff work with the children on a regular basis and form good relationships with them.

When a child joins the Pre-School an initial child profile is completed by the parent with the assistance of the key person. This enables us to know and build on the child’s individual interests and strengths.

The key person is responsible for developmental records and for sharing information on a regular basis with the child’s parents to keep those records up-to-date, reflecting the picture of the child in the setting and at home. The key person works with the parents to plan and deliver a personalised plan for the child’s well-being, care and learning. Parents are welcome to make an appointment at any convenient time to discuss their child’s progress with their key person or the Pre-School Manager. 

The children’s record of achievement file which will include written observations as well as photographs and examples of their work will provide a lifetime reminder of their time spent at Barming Pre-School. Brief observations will also be made by other members of staff whilst children are involved in activities to record particular skills and developing knowledge. Longer observations will be made if necessary.

When children leave the Pre-School a Record of Transfer Form will be completed by the child’s key person and discussed with parents and their comments sought. This will then be passed on to their future School as an ongoing record of their achievements.