Jackie A. Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 In our setting, we have always used the term "Key Worker" and have never really given much thought to the actual wording. However I have been told recently by an EY advisor that we should be using "Key Person". The new framework also refers to the term "Key Person". Is there a right or wrong answer? Is it just somehow a sexism issue as the word 'person' is often used when one is unsure of male or female? It just seems more impersonal? I'm only asking as I am compiling my report format (I'm a Nursery teacher in a large primary school) and our Head has questioned me as she feels uncomfortable with the term "Key Person". Just want to get it right. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 I was told it was differentiated because "key worker" tends to refer to an individual in a multi-disciplinary team who takes on the key role in liaising between the family and the other team members, often a social worker. We had to review all our paperwork to change to key person in 2008 in order to fit with the EYFS and it did take some getting used to but now it is more natural to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mouseketeer Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 we changed from key worker to key person a while back but it just wouldn,t stick, even though all paper work was changed to say key person staff, parents....all still refer as key workers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyfs1966 Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 silly isn't it... a name is just a name...we were key persons, then key workers now back to key person...what a waste of energy when we all know what we mean. Any guesses for the next title change? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Yup, get you all! Staff are Keypersons, but it really doesn't matter!! The job gets done :-) Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 Penn Green call thier staff family workers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 I think the term 'key worker' in the early years context used to refer to the person who collated all the observations and paperwork side of things, and as holly says, in a multi-agency team working scenario, the key worker is the person who does all the co-ordinating and so on. The first time I heard the word 'key person' was in the book by Dorothy Selleck, Peter Elfer and Eleanor Goldschmeid. They used it to denote a more personal relationship: not just about the admin side but to built close and secure relationships with their key children and their families. I prefer key person, but it does give me problems in the plural. Is it 'key persons' or 'key people'? :blink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Key peeps I think. We use key person, but more usually say special person to parents Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 We set PRAMS up to use the term key person, as that does seem to be the accepted term these days, but I know what you mean - it does sound a little awkward doesn't it. I think Key Dude would sound much cooler - I'd want to be a key dude! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Yes I think we all aught to fight for the right to be called Key Dude 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Why has it only just occurred to me that this might refer to the person who looks after the setting's keys? You'll always be our key dude, Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 Aw shucks Maz! If anyone would do me the honour of seconding that I'll adopt it as my official title. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I'll second it! Haha Key Dude! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 What is in a name - why can we just call staff by their name - our key people are everyone - everyone observes everyone takes note of achievements, had a hectic day blaa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fredbear Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I went on a training course by Dorothy Selleck sometime ago now. It is indeed the keyworker denotes the administration, the keyperson will be the baby/ child's main attachment within your setting. She talked a lot about early attachment theory and the impact this may have on a young baby/ child in their future years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 thanks Cait and Maz - that's official then. My title (which I'll wear proudly) is under my avatar! (sorry fredbear and whatamess, for the interruption) (Sorry, over my avatar...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mps09 Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 What is in a name - why can we just call staff by their name - our key people are everyone - everyone observes everyone takes note of achievements, had a hectic day blaa And in our setting..... but who do the children run to when they are upset, sad, pleased, what to show off a piece of work? That special person when mum or dad aren't there - their Key Person. I have one little boy with EAL who always calls me Mummy (but his mother is mumma) and there is a clear distinction between the two words, (and relationships!), parents are happy with this and while I do remind him of my name, I won't make an issue of this - he is two years old and needs a mummy 'substitute' which is what I think I am as his Key Person. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I went on a training course by Dorothy Selleck sometime ago now. I thought she was awesome, so inspiring and she spoke so much common sense. Would recommend anyone get to listen to her speak if they can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 he is two years old and needs a mummy 'substitute' which is what I think I am as his Key Person. I think this is the key difference, if you'll pardon the pun. :1b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplewednesday1 Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 We set PRAMS up to use the term key person, as that does seem to be the accepted term these days, but I know what you mean - it does sound a little awkward doesn't it. I think Key Dude would sound much cooler - I'd want to be a key dude! Steve, that is such a 'sad dad' thing to say! It's not 'Wayne's World' you know! pw x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplewednesday1 Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 thanks Cait and Maz - that's official then. My title (which I'll wear proudly) is under my avatar! (sorry fredbear and whatamess, for the interruption) (Sorry, over my avatar...) Stop now! Although given the anagram is Yuk Deed (and we've had a number of those in my setting!) maybe it's ok pw x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 You can't talk to me like that - I'm a Key Dude... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplewednesday1 Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 You can't talk to me like that - I'm a Key Dude... soz, Dude Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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