At our Nurseries we will operate a ‘key person’ system. A key person will be allocated to you and your child as soon as possible after your initial visit or first session.

What is a Key Person?

A key person is a named person who will take responsibility for a group of children. The key person is responsible for getting to know each child’s abilities and their needs. The key person is also responsible for liaising with parents/carers and where appropriate, any other agencies involved with the child (another nursery or speech therapist for example). The key person will also have the responsibility of ensuring that the child’s documentation is up to date and developing a relationship with the family, which will include regular exchange of information

Settling In

At Fun Farm Day Nursery your key person will meet with you during your 'settling in visits'. During this time they will discuss your child's individual routines, the people who are special to them, and their likes and dislikes to ensure that this is incorporated into the daily care of your child. They will also carry out an 'Assessment on Entry' with you and this will help the key person to gain knowledge about what your child has already achieved and the key person will use this assessment as a guide to build on what your child can already do. Each key person has a sound knowledge and range of skills to enable them in providing parents with advice and guidance and supporting any concerns with starting nursery or completing transitions from room to room and onto school.

The advantages of having a Key Person System

The advantages of having a key person system are so that parents/carers have a named person to whom they can talk to who knows the child well. For babies in particular, the security of a consistent carer is maintained and the key person will usually be the person who helps to settle them in and cater for their physical needs (i.e. feeding and nappy changing). Where a baby is unable to express their needs verbally the key person will be able to ‘tune’ into them by observing them closely. Children will get to know their key person and be able to use that relationship to develop a secure base within the Nursery to gain confidence and develop independence.

What about other members of staff?

This arrangement does not mean that the key person is the only adult who works with your child, but it is expected that they will spend some time of the day together, particularly around arrival, going home and meal/snack times. You are welcome to talk to any member of staff about any issues, concerns or changes in routine/ circumstances and this information will be shared with the key person. If any staff members need to know anything about a particular child, they will be able to ask the key person who will have a more detailed knowledge of your child We hope that the above information is useful to you. If you have any concerns, questions or comments, please ask either of the Nursery Managers and we will be happy to help.