Part of the EYFS Glossary
This article forms part of our EYFS Glossary of Early Years Education Terms, which explains key curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment language used in early years practice.
The Key Person Approach refers to a system in early years settings where each child is assigned a specific practitioner who takes primary responsibility for their care, development, and wellbeing.
What is the Key Person Approach?
The Key Person Approach is a way of organising care in early years settings so that each child has a consistent, familiar adult who understands their needs and supports their development.
This approach helps ensure that children experience continuity of care and build secure relationships within the setting.
The key person acts as a main point of contact for both the child and their family.
The Key Person Approach in the EYFS
The Key Person Approach is a requirement within the EYFS Statutory Framework. Early years providers must assign a key person to each child to help ensure that their individual needs are met.
This approach supports:
continuity of care
communication with families
understanding of individual children
emotional security within the setting
The key person plays an important role in supporting children’s experience of the early years environment.
The Role of the Key Person
The key person has a range of responsibilities related to the child’s care and development.
These may include:
building a positive relationship with the child
supporting the child’s emotional wellbeing
observing and understanding the child’s development
communicating with parents or carers
supporting transitions within the setting
The key person helps ensure that the child’s experiences are consistent and supportive.
The Key Person Approach and Attachment
The Key Person Approach supports the development of attachment relationships within early years settings. By providing a consistent adult, children are more likely to feel secure and confident in the environment.
These relationships can help children:
feel safe and supported
manage separation from parents or carers
develop trust in adults
engage more confidently in learning
The key person often acts as a secure base from which the child can explore.
The Key Person Approach and Children’s Development
The Key Person Approach supports development across several areas, particularly:
personal, social and emotional development
communication and language
confidence and independence
engagement in learning
By building strong relationships, practitioners can better understand children’s needs and support their development.
Common Questions About the Key Person Approach
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The key person provides consistency, supports emotional security, and helps ensure that each child’s individual needs are understood and met.
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No. Children interact with all practitioners, but the key person has a particular responsibility for the child’s care and development.
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The key person acts as a main point of contact, helping to share information and build relationships between the setting and the family.
Summary
The Key Person Approach is a system where each child is supported by a consistent practitioner who takes primary responsibility for their care, development, and wellbeing. This approach supports attachment, emotional security, and effective communication with families.
Related Glossary Terms
The following glossary entries are closely related to Key Person Approach and provide additional context:
Further Guidance | Related Documents within our ‘EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy’ suite:
Below you will find a selection of guidance documents from within our Little Owls Resources ‘Curriculum & Pedagogy’ area which explore this concept (& its age-specific application within EYFS settings) in greater depth.
[For additional documents please visit our support pathways: Baby | Toddler | Preschool | Reception | Mixed-Age]
Further Guidance | Related Resources within our ‘Printable Provision’ area:
Disclaimer
The information provided in this glossary is intended to support understanding of terminology commonly used within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It does not constitute official guidance and should not be considered a substitute for the EYFS Statutory Framework or other Department for Education publications.
Terminology and interpretations may vary between settings and professional contexts.