The Role of the Key Person at Thrive

The first years of a child’s life are critical for emotional, social, and cognitive development. At Thrive, we believe that children progress best when they feel secure and connected. That is why we place the key person* system at the centre of our practice. This approach ensures that every child has a dedicated adult who builds a trusting bond, provides personalised care, and communicates effectively with families. Our key person system also includes a ‘buddy’ key person. The buddy is the nominated person who will step in should the key person be absent. This ensures each child is always assigned to an appropriate person even when their key person is away.

In this article, we explain the role of the key person, why it matters for child development, and how it strengthens the partnership between home and nursery.

What Is the Key Person System?

The key person system is a widely recognised practice in early years settings. Each child is assigned to a specific practitioner who becomes their main point of contact for both emotional care and daily routines. While all staff members interact with every child, the key person holds primary responsibility for ensuring the child feels safe, secure, understood, and supported.

At Thrive, this system ensures that children are not just part of a group but are treated as individuals with their own unique needs and strengths. The key person acts as an advocate, guide, and consistent presence in the child’s journey through nursery life.

Creating a Secure Bond for Every Child

One of the most important roles of the key person is to establish a secure attachment. Young children thrive when they know there is someone they can trust to meet their needs, listen to their concerns, and celebrate their achievements.

Through everyday care routines—such as feeding, toileting, settling for rest, or engaging in play—the key person builds familiarity and trust. Over time, this relationship becomes the child’s anchor, giving them confidence to explore their environment, interact with others, and take on new challenges.

This sense of security is also linked to children’s ability to develop self-regulation skills, which are crucial for managing emotions and behaviours. To learn more, see our guide on self-regulation in the early years.

Personalised Care Tailored to the Child

Every child is different. Some need extra reassurance at drop-off, others seek more independence, and many require unique support for language, learning, or social skills. The key person system allows us to provide care that is truly personalised.

Key persons observe each child closely, taking note of their interests, routines, and developmental stages. This enables them to adapt activities and learning experiences that encourage growth. For example:

• A child fascinated by building might be guided towards construction play that develops problem-solving skills.
• A child who is shy in groups may be given one-to-one support before gradually being encouraged to join peers.
• A child who struggles with transitions may be supported with consistent routines and clear reassurance.

Because the key person knows the child so well, they can respond quickly and effectively, ensuring no need goes unnoticed.

Bridging Home and Nursery Through Communication

For families, one of the biggest benefits of the key person system is clear and consistent communication. Parents and carers have a dedicated staff member to approach with questions, updates, or concerns. This reduces confusion and ensures that important details—such as changes in routine, dietary requirements, or new milestones—are always passed on.

At Thrive, key persons provide daily feedback on a child’s progress and experiences, both informally at pick-up and through more structured updates. By creating an open dialogue, families feel reassured that their child is understood and valued.

We believe strongly in parent partnerships, as collaboration between home and nursery is essential for continuity of care and learning.

Supporting Emotional and Social Development

The early years are a time of rapid emotional and social growth. Children learn how to regulate their feelings, interact with others, and develop a sense of self. The presence of a key person supports this process by offering a stable and reliable relationship.

When children face challenges—such as separation anxiety, conflict with peers, or the frustration of new learning—the key person provides comfort and guidance. Knowing that someone is always there to listen and help reduces stress and builds resilience.

This relationship also supports social skills, helping children learn empathy, cooperation, and teamwork. For more detail on this, read our article on nurturing social skills at Thrive.

The Role of the Key Person in Learning and Development

While emotional wellbeing is central, the key person also supports a child’s educational journey. They track progress across areas of development, from communication and language to physical skills and early literacy. By monitoring achievements and identifying areas for extra support, the key person ensures each child moves forward at a pace that suits them.

For example, as children prepare for school, the key person plays an active role in ensuring they are confident and ready for change. You can explore more in our dedicated guide on transitioning to primary school.

Helping Children Settle Into Nursery

Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and parents. The key person system makes this process smoother by giving the child a consistent figure to rely on. By offering reassurance, introducing routines gradually, and building familiarity, the key person helps children feel safe in their new environment.

Parents often find this support invaluable too, as they know their child is being closely cared for during the adjustment period. For practical advice, see our tips on settling into nursery.

Why the Key Person System Matters at Thrive

At Thrive, the key person system is not just a policy—it is central to how we deliver care and education. It allows us to:

• Build secure attachments that support emotional wellbeing.
• Provide personalised care that respects individuality.
• Strengthen communication between families and staff.
• Support learning and development with focused attention.
• Foster confidence, independence, and social skills.

This holistic approach ensures that every child is given the best possible foundation for their future.

Conclusion: Putting the Child at the Centre

The role of the key person at Thrive is vital. By forming a secure bond, tailoring care to individual needs, and maintaining clear communication with families, the key person system creates an environment where children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

When children know they have someone to rely on, they can explore, take risks, and grow with confidence. For families, the reassurance of a dedicated point of contact builds trust and strengthens the partnership with nursery staff.

At Thrive, we are proud to place the key person system at the heart of our service, ensuring every child is supported not only in their learning but in their journey to becoming confident, happy, and resilient individuals.

*Also known as the Key Worker system in some settings