Babies and toddlers

Babies

The key person approach is crucial in early years settings, ensuring a loving and close relationship between the child, their parents / carers and staff. This approach involves a close triangular attachment between the child, the key person and the child's parents / carers.

Effective practitioners are responsive to children and babies, noticing their reactions and ensuring high-quality care. This approach is essential for fostering a positive and nurturing environment for young children.

When working with babies, the key person should:

• provide comfortable, interactive play areas
• use personal care time for interaction
• communicate warmth and respect
• enhance learning environments
• provide daily physical activity opportunities.

Toddlers

Toddlers' learning and development are greatly influenced by loving relationships, communication and the physical and emotional environments they are exposed to. The brain is developing rapidly, but is focused on organising the frantic activity.

To support toddlers, the key person should:

• Provide a secure base
• Organise spaces for exploration
• Plan daily sensory experiences
• Share high-quality books
• Encourage schematic play.

The activities help build connections in the brain and promote physical activity and exploration. Overall, providing a supportive environment is crucial for toddlers' well-being.