Policy Intention:

 

This policy details the role of the assigned key person who provides tailored learning and care to meet each child’s individual needs.

 

We have a duty to share with parents/carers the name of their child’s key person and their role.

 

The key person is responsible for the settling in process and for making sure all aspects of a child’s care and education is catered for.

 

A key person must get to know the child and family, track progress and build a relationship based on mutual respect, understanding and effective communication.

 

The key person supports the child and parents/carers to make each family feel valued and helps them engage with more specialist support if required.

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Every child will also be overseen by a senior staff member to ensure consistency and ensure minimal disruption if the key person is not in the setting. A key person may be change if it is the best interest of the child, for example the child may be drawn to a particular member of staff.

 

Procedure:

 

Learning & Development

• We assign a key person and explain the role to parents/carers.

• The child’s individual needs, interests and development are considered when choosing a key person.

• The key person ensures they provide their key children with access to high quality experiences and ensure they are able to access all areas of the curriculum

• The Key person completes the two-year-old check

• We provide opportunities for children to learn using their home language.

• We refer families to engage with more specialist support if required.

• The key person keeps updated with continued professional development to ensure the best possible outcomes for children, through undertaking observations and assessment and then planning according for the child.

 

Assessment

• The key person understands and uses the systems needed to fulfil the role, whilst avoiding excessive paperwork.

 

Safeguarding and Welfare

• We follow individual roles and responsibilities including settling in processes.

• We ensure children are kept safe and secure at all times.

• We are alert to any issues of concern in the child's life, at home or elsewhere, in line with our Safeguarding Policy, Child Protection Policy and Parent Partnership Policy.

• The key person will note significant changes in child's behaviour, health, deterioration in well being and comments that give cause for concern and act on these as needed in conjunction with Understanding and Supporting Behaviour Policy.

• Staff have a duty to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders, reprimands and warnings relating to themselves.

• We recognise any inappropriate behaviour displayed by other members of staff in reference to the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing Policy).

• We ensure the key person has access to regular supervision, continued professional development and training in line with the Continued Professional Development Policy.

• We foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement.

• We keep accurate records in English.

• We are mindful of all care needs including administering medicines and dietary requirements in line with the Administering Medicines Policy and Food and Drink Policy.