K is for Key Person Approach

One of the most important — yet often overlooked — elements of high-quality early years care is the Key Person Approach. At Tik Tak Childcare, it’s not just a requirement — it’s at the heart of how we build trust, nurture development and create meaningful relationships with every child and family.

But what does the key person approach really mean, and why does it matter so much?

What is a key person?

A key person is a specific member of staff who takes special responsibility for a particular child’s emotional wellbeing, development and communication with their family. It’s the person your child builds a strong bond with — someone they can rely on every day.

This approach is a requirement of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), and it’s something we take very seriously at Tik Tak.

Why it matters

Children, especially in the early years, thrive on consistency, connection and care. When a child forms a close relationship with a familiar adult, they feel safer and more confident — and that means they’re more open to learning, playing and forming friendships.

The key person:

• Provides emotional security during transitions (like settling in)

• Observes and understands each child’s individual needs and interests

• Supports learning in a way that’s meaningful and personal

• Builds a bridge between nursery and home life

• Acts as a point of contact for parents and carers

In other words, the key person is your child’s “safe base” at nursery.

How it works at Tik Tak Childcare

As a private nursery in Milton Keynes, we make sure every child has a dedicated key person from the moment they join us. This relationship is built gently — often starting with short visits, slow transitions, and time for the child and adult to get to know each other.

Our key persons:

• Greet children personally each day

• Offer comfort, encouragement and positive attention

• Tailor activities to the child’s developmental stage

• Record observations and track progress

• Share daily feedback with parents (formally and informally)

We also make space for second language needs, ensuring bilingual children are supported emotionally and linguistically by someone who understands them.

Partnership with parents

The key person isn’t just there for the child — they’re also there for you. Open, two-way communication is essential. We encourage parents to:

• Share updates from home

• Discuss concerns or changes

• Celebrate milestones together

• Ask questions and stay informed

This strong partnership helps create consistency between home and nursery, which is key to a child’s overall wellbeing.

More than a policy

At Tik Tak, the key person approach isn’t just a tick-box — it’s the foundation of everything we do. It reflects our belief that every child deserves to be known, understood and loved. In a busy world, that kind of care makes all the difference.