Atelier Talks

“We’ve not stopped. We’ve tested our skills, tested our knowledge, and we’ve supported each other through it all." - Beth, Atelier Leadership Team Where has 2025 gone?! In this special end-of-series episode, jpin us as we take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything we’ve built together this year, as a nursery, as a consultancy, and… as podcasters! Joined by our full leadership team (Clare, Beth, Lauren and Laura) we’re taking a look back on a landmark year at Atelier: from the launch of our consultancy and this podcast, to professional awards, Reggio study tours, outstanding OFSTED inspections, and of course the magic of everyday nursery life behind the doors of Atelier. We share what’s moved us, challenged us, and inspired us, from our team CPD days and enrichment experiences, to key pieces of training and research that have helped shape our pedagogy. We hope this episode inspires our fellow educators, leader and early years professionals to make time for your own reflections and we encourage you to take stock of everything you've achieved this year, big or small.  Thankyou for listening and being part of the Atelier Talks community - we can’t wait to be back with you again for Series 2 in the new year. In this episode: The word that sums up our year from each team member What we learned from our team enrichment activities throughout 2025 How we kept our Ofsted Outstanding grading (even during a period of transition and staffing challenges!) Reflections on new leadership skills we’ve built on throughout the year, including project management, research roles and public speaking A reminder on why we prioritise slow pedagogy and mindful moments for both children and staff Our full debrief on launching our podcast this year - challenges and wins that have come our way as a result of Atelier Talks What to expect from Series 2 and how we hope to include more guests, more connection and more voices from the sector - could that be you…?  Standing on the shoulders of giantsAs always, our reflections are grounded in the influence of the educators and theorists who continue to shape our practice: Loris Malaguzzi – for inspiring our relational practice and environments via Reggio Emilia Friedrich Froebel – for grounding us in seasonal rhythms and slow pedagogy Peter Elfer & Elinor Goldschmied – for emotionally attuned care and the Key Person approach Jools Page – for Professional Love in leadership and educator-child relationships Mona Sakr – for advocacy and research into the rights of babies and transitions Dr. Chris Pascal – for leadership in early years research and reflection Aaron Bradbury – for championing practitioner voice, play and anti-bias practice Find out more: Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com Keywords: early years podcast UK, atelier talks podcast, early years reflection, slow pedagogy, Froebel training, Reggio Emilia nursery UK, early years enrichment, team CPD ideas EYFS, Ofsted outstanding leadership, early years consultancy UK, professional love in nurseries, EYFS podcast, early years transitions, educator research EYFS, key person model, gallery school, nursery team culture

“You go there to learn about children — but you come back remembering who you are, and why you do what you do.”   Harriet, Early Years Educator at Atelier In this very special episode of Atelier Talks, we’re reflecting on our recent team study trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy: the city that inspires so much of our practice and pedagogy here at Atelier. Clare & Laura are joined by Harriet and Rosie, two of our incredible team members who have walked the cobbled streets of Reggio and returned home enriched by the experience. Together we explore what it feels like to immerse yourself in a global community of educators and return with a renewed sense of energy and inspiration for your early years practice. Whether you’ve visited Reggio yourself, or are simply curious about what it really means to be Reggio-inspired in a UK nursery setting, you’ll finish this episode brimming with ideas. In this episode::What it’s like to step inside the Loris Malaguzzi Centre for the first time Reflections from the infant-toddler centres and what it’s like to observe learning in action Why Reggio’s approach is as much about values and culture as it is about methods Real stories of international connections and cross-cultural dialogue between educators What intelligent setups and environments that speak really look like How our team are already transforming their spaces with the “Reggio lens” What we learned about process over product, and the radical power of respect The ripple effect of deep learning and why we believe study tours grow entire teams, not just individuals Standing on the shoulders of giants The thinking behind Atelier's pedagogy draws deeply from the Reggio Emilia philosophy and wider foundational theorists. This episode references the work of: Loris Malaguzzi – founder of the Reggio Emilia approach and the concept of the hundred languages of children Reggio Children & the Loris Malaguzzi Centre – for inspiring our architectural, social, and relational design thinking The Reggio Atelieristas – for reimagining creativity, representation and research in early childhood Find out more:Find out more: Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: Reggio Emilia UK, early years study trip, Reggio Children, Loris Malaguzzi Centre, early years inspiration, international early childhood education, Reggio philosophy, early years leadership, environment as third teacher, hundred languages, process over product, atelierista, reflective practice EYFS, intelligent environments, emotionally intelligent early years, early years consultancy UK

“Our biggest priority is the children. But we can’t keep showing up for them at the level we want to if the system is this broken.” Clare Crowther - Director, Atelier  “When there’s no consistency from one local authority to another, how are settings supposed to stay compliant?” This is one of the many questions we’re tackling in this episode of Atelier Talks. This episode is essential listening for any Early Years provider navigating the increasingly complex world of fees, funding and “free” entitlement. Joined by sector trailblazers Jo Morris (Play Steps, CNLF, Early Years Voices) and Jen & Rose from Snapdragons Nurseries, we unpack the real implications of recent government funding changes, from April’s updated guidance to the September expansion of entitlements. We talk about transparency, administration overload, and the widening gap between funding rates and the real cost of delivering quality early years education. If you’re a nursery owner, manager or educator trying to protect the quality of your provision while staying financially sustainable, this episode offers clarity (and solidarity!) and perhaps some inspiration from other settings navigating these changes.  In this episode:What changed in April and September, and what’s coming next… Why the “voluntary” charges guidance has made things more confusing  How the narrative of “free childcare” is misleading families What additional services EY settings can charge for and what’s now restricted How the changes are affecting family choice, local partnerships, and team morale Practical tips for preparing your invoices, agreements and audit trail Why providers in multiple LAs are struggling to stay compliant across regions What the clawback risk means for your operations  What Early Years Voices is doing to campaign for real change  Find out more:Connect with our guests: Jo Morris / Champagne Nurseries, Lemonade Funding – Facebook group link (CNLF) Early Years Voices – https://earlyyearsvoice.org/ Snapdragons Nurseries – https://www.snapdragonsnursery.com/  Connect with Atelier Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: early years funding 2024, free childcare, 30 hours funding, voluntary charges EYFS, early years admin, EYFS fee structure, funded hours nursery, sustainability nursery funding, early years voices, champagne nurseries lemonade funding, local authority audits EYFS, clawback childcare, early years DfE guidance, provider agreements, nursery compliance UK

“Shine. Don’t shy away. This is your setting. You own it.” – Vanessa Dooley, Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy In this special guest episode of Atelier Talks, we’re joined by one of the most trusted names in Early Years consultancy: Vanessa Dooley, founder of Jigsaw Early Years and the voice behind the Get Inspection Ready podcast. Together, we unpack the brand-new OFSTED Early Years Inspection Toolkit, which comes into effect from November 10th, and what it really means for Early Years settings. This is a must-listen for any setting leader, manager or educator feeling overwhelmed by the changes. From principle one ("Achieve, Belong, Thrive") to the new seven evaluation areas, we cover what’s changing, what to keep doing, and how to prepare your team for inspection under these new changes. In this episode: Why “Achieve, Belong, Thrive” should underpin your curriculum and nursery culture. A breakdown of the seven new evaluation areas and what they mean in practice What the new four-year inspection cycle and two-part call system means for your team Why the learning walk is being replaced, and how to prepare staff for ongoing dialogue instead How to speak confidently about your provision (without relying on a script!) How to keep self-evaluation alive in your daily practice Tips for reducing inspection anxiety Why inclusivity must be interwoven throughout everything you do (not treated as simply a box to tick) Real tools and advice from Vanessa’s new book, toolkit, and Impact platform How we’re preparing at Atelier  Standing on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists, consultants and thought leaders. Those mentioned in today’s episode include: Peter Elfer – for responsive leadership and the Key Person approach Elinor Goldschmied – for emotional attunement and care routines Jools Page – for Professional Love in both child and team relationships John Bowlby – for attachment theory and secure relational practice Driscoll’s Model – for reflection using the “What, So What, Now What?” approach Find out more:Vanessa’s new book and toolkit – coming soon Get Inspection Ready podcast – on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts Get Inspection Ready Webinar – November 3rd @ 19:00  Impact platform – audit and reflection tool for EYFS providers And from us at Atelier:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: OFSTED early years 2023, Vanessa Dooley, achieve belong thrive, OFSTED inspection toolkit, early years self evaluation, nursery inspection preparation, early years leadership, impact platform EYFS, early years quality audit, show and tell OFSTED, reflective leadership EYFS, early years podcast, Jigsaw Early Years, get inspection ready, nursery team training, nursery inspection confidence,

“If somebody wants to step into leadership, they need to have opportunities to lead, and they need to know we’ll be there to catch them if they wobble.” Clare Crowther, Director This episode explores why collaboration, not hierarchy, builds sustainable teams in Early Years settings. Continuing on from where we left off in episode 12, we’re going even deeper into Early Years leadership, moving beyond titles and job roles and exploring what it really means to grow leadership from the ground up. From coaching your Early Years team day-to-day to developing new leaders in post, we’re sharing what works, what’s challenging, and how we support our staff to thrive. We talk openly about succession planning, the emotional side of saying goodbye to talented team members, and how we create a culture where leadership is distributed, and everyone feels empowered to make a difference, no matter their role. This is a must listen episode for anyone leading a setting, growing a team, or stepping into leadership themselves. In this episode: How we develop future leaders through real responsibility and supported risk-taking Why succession planning starts with coaching, mentoring and high expectations What “stretching the elastic” means when developing staff The importance of distributive leadership and mini leadership roles across the team How we structure roles like planning champions, environment leads and room reps How to hold challenging conversations with professionalism and care How we build leadership into our supervisions, CPD, appraisals and team culture What “tribing” means at Atelier, and how it supports team belonging, loyalty and retention Real stories of apprentices who’ve grown into Atelier leaders Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: early years leadership, growing leaders in EYFS, early years succession planning, coaching nursery teams, CPD in early years, early years supervisions, nursery staff development, stretch the elastic, Reggio-inspired leadership, planning champions EYFS, key person culture, staff retention nursery, emotionally intelligent leadership, building team culture, Johari window early years, confronto, trust in early years teams

“We want our team to have their voices heard, but we also need to have that strategic direction that we’re moving in.” – Clare Crowther, Atelier Nursery Director In this episode we’re unpacking the kind of leadership that underpins everything we do at Atelier, both in our nurseries and through our consultancy. We’re not about traditional hierarchy, job titles or top-down management - our approach is about creating a culture where everyone leads with clarity, empathy, and purpose. We explore the realities of what it means to be an emotionally intelligent, collaborative leader in Early Years, and how in your own Early Years setting you can build a team culture that holds challenge and kindness, strategy and vision, structure and flexibility.  In this episode, we share:Why we lead with kindness, collaboration and curiosity (not control) What it means to build a “heterarchy” over a hierarchy in nursery leadership How we coach our team using reflective practice  Real leadership development stories from inside Atelier Why vision setting and relationship building must go hand-in-hand How we support our team through supervisions, appraisals and “walk and talk” feedback Strategies for growing new leaders from within your team The role of distributive leadership and collective accountability in our day-to-day practice Standing on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows: Peter Elfer – for the Key Person approach and emotionally attuned leadership Elinor Goldschmied – for her emphasis on sensitive care, intimacy and connection Jools Page – for the concept of Professional Love and how it extends to staff relationships Reggio Children – for influencing our approach to coaching, vision setting and collaborative dialogue Lencioni & Covey – for leadership thinking that inspires clarity, trust and accountability Sonia Jackson – for her work on professionalising Early Years leadership John Bowlby – for his attachment theory, which informs how we lead through relational trust Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: early years leadership, nursery manager support, coaching early years teams, heterarchy vs hierarchy, early years supervision, nursery appraisals, reflective leadership, key person approach, team culture in nursery, vision-led leadership, EYFS consultancy, emotionally intelligent leadership, leading from the floor, growing nursery leaders

“They amaze me every single day… They set themselves challenges, find solutions, and they are these mini scientists roving around our environment.” – Laura, Nursery Manager In this episode of Atelier Talks, we’re showing you what life at Atelier looks like through the eyes of our youngest children, our babies. As more children enter nursery at an earlier age and for longer hours, it's more important than ever that as nursery leaders and educators we create truly thoughtful, respectful and responsive environments for babies to thrive. From baby brain development and physical environments to rich interactions and the role of the key person, we explore how to support confident, capable learning right from the start. You’ll hear real examples of daily practice, challenges we’ve navigated, and the non-negotiables that make our baby provision at Atelier second to none. In this episode:Why babies are not passive observers and how to recognise them as researchers The science behind baby brain development  Designing calming, stimulating, responsive baby environments (without overstimulation!) What heuristic play and treasure baskets look like in a mixed-age setting How to build slow, nurturing routines that honour each child’s needs and rhythm The role of the key person in building deep trust and emotional safety for babies How to support your team to value and advocate for babies as communicators and learners Why “just sit and love your baby” is not only okay, it’s essential Standing on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows: Elinor Goldschmied – for her work on treasure baskets, heuristic play and “islands of intimacy” Peter Elfer – for the Key Person approach and emotionally responsive care Jools Page – for the concept of Professional Love and her research into emotional attachment John Bowlby – for foundational attachment theory that supports our relational approach Anne Langston & Lesley Abbott – for raising the status of baby practitioners and promoting child rights Loris Malaguzzi & Reggio Children – for inspiring our view of babies as capable learners and researchers Sonia Jackson – for advocating for children’s rights in Early Years care and education Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: babies in nursery, early years baby provision, key person approach, heuristic play, treasure baskets, attachment in babies, professional love, baby room design, first 1001 days, baby brain development, slowing down in EYFS, respectful caregiving, early years consultant UK, Reggio for babies

“Put your big girl pants on. Be brave. Love your team. Support them. Enjoy your new families and build your community.” – Laura, Nursery Manager What dowe mean by ‘Simple September’ at Atelier? In this episode we’re discussing one of the busiest (and most important) times of the Early Years calendar: September. Whether you're welcoming new babies, supporting toddlers through transition, or helping your older children take the next step, this episode is a full walkthrough of how we at Atelier prepare our team, environment and systems for a smooth and emotionally intelligent start to the academic year. From operations and environment to staff wellbeing and communication, we’re sharing what Simple September really means in practice, and how slowing down, staying consistent and leading with empathy is the way to go when welcoming a new cohort of children and families into your nursery. In this episode:What “Simple September” means and how it supports children, staff and families alike How we maintain consistency in environment, rhythm and routines (and why) Managing key person attachments, transitions and new children with care How we support new leaders and deputies during their first September What we intentionally don’t do in September (and why that matters) Family communication tips The power of Reflect & Connect sessions and ‘10-minute talks’ Real examples of small changes that improve flow, reduce stress and build connection Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: nursery start of term, September in EYFS, key person approach, Early Years transitions, simple September nursery, new cohort planning, mixed-age nursery, predictable environment, attachment in early years, managing change, early years leadership, Reflect and Connect, family communication nursery, Reggio-inspired settling

“It’s just holding the child at the centre at all times and the parent as well… and really, really love your families and your children.” – Laura, Nursery Manager In this episode of Atelier Talks, we’re looking into the reality of children starting nursery; what settling really looks and feels like, for children, for families, and for practitioners. We talk through our full settling roadmap at Atelier, the value of home visits and first sessions to the “honeymoon period” and how to recognise when a child (or parent) needs to slow down. We reflect on what it means to “hold the family in context,” how to build deep trust between the child and their key person, and how your nursery team can create a seamless, emotionally intelligent process that lays the foundation for long-term success. In this episode:Why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all settling The difference between attachment, separation and distress (and how to manage them) What a full Atelier settling process looks like (including home visits and roadmaps) How to prepare staff and rotas for September transitions What to say when parents push for a faster start Supporting children through the “honeymoon period” and post-settle wobbles Real strategies from the floor: what key people do to build strong, secure attachments How to spot when to go slower, and when to step in as a leader Standing on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows: Peter Elfer – for his thinking on the Key Person approach and the “stretching elastic” between child and caregiver Elinor Goldschmied – for her emphasis on emotional care, intimacy and routine as opportunities for connection Jools Page – for her research on Professional Love and what it means to truly nurture in practice Reggio Children – for influencing our thinking on responsive environments and thoughtful transitions Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: nursery transitions, EYFS settling process, key person approach, separation anxiety nursery, attachment theory early years, home visits, child-led settling, triangulation of trust, early years transitions, emotional security, slow settling, nursery manager strategies, Reggio-inspired settling, professional love in nursery settings

“Educators observe deeply. They use what they see and hear to create opportunities for children to explore further, to dig deeper, and to build on their knowledge.” – Aaron Bradbury, shared by Lauren In this episode of Atelier Talks, we discuss one of the most central elements of our pedagogy: how we use projects and provocations to build deeply meaningful learning for children. We promote learning that evolves over time, follows children’s unique interests, and offers endless possibilities. In this episode we reflect on some of our most powerful projects from across the years (we’ve got quite a few favourites!) from the Streets of Bath and the Big (big, big) Bath Abbey to Teas & Tonics, rainbow pasta, and our community-based exhibitions. We explore the role of observation, documentation, and pedagogical conversation in making these projects visible, vibrant, and ever evolving. Whether you're a practitioner or a nursery leader, this episode will help you slow down, look closer, and support your team in delivering truly child-centred, research-rich learning that also builds on your nursery’s legacy of learning that your early years children will treasure for years to come. In this episode, we share:What we mean by “projects” and “provocations”, and how we define the difference How we build long-term, child-led investigations across age groups and settings Examples of our favourite projects… Mango pasta, anyone? The importance of “slow pedagogy” and taking learning at the child’s pace How we use exhibitions to make learning visible for children, families and the whole community What pedagogical conversations look like in our weekly staff planning time How to support your team to plan, document, and challenge their assumptions of what our children are capable of Why reflection and observation are the most powerful tools we have as educators Standing on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows: Aaron Bradbury – for his insights into observation, deep listening and co-constructed curriculum. Here’s a reminder of the beautiful quote Lauren shared in this episode from Early Childhood Theories Today' by Aaron Bradbury and Ruth Swailes: “Educators observe deeply. They use what they see and hear to create opportunities for children to explore further, to dig deeper, and to build on their knowledge.” Loris Malaguzzi – for the Reggio Emilia approach to long-term project work, documentation and the Hundred Languages of Children Friedrich Froebel – for his influence on materials, connection, opposites, and real-life skills Simon Nicholson – for his Theory of Loose Parts and its impact on open-ended, investigative learning Martin Pace – for challenging and refining our thinking around project and provocation pedagogy Reggio Children – for inspiring the way we present learning, design space, and curate provocations Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: projects and provocations, Reggio Emilia, Froebel, slow pedagogy, documentation, early years planning, child-led learning, project-based learning, pedagogical conversations, EYFS leadership, rainbow pasta, early years exhibitions, nursery planning time, observation in early years, theory into practice

Step Inside Atelier: A Room-By-Room Tour Of OurOutstanding Nursery“Always be unwavering in your commitment to rich, beautiful environments that children deserve to work and play within.” Clare Crowther, Atelier Director In this episode of Atelier Talks, we’re taking you on a full virtual tour of our OFSTED Outstanding rated nursery. From the baby nest to the studio, and from our piazza spaces to the garden room, we explore how each part of the Atelier environment is purposefully designed to reflect our philosophy, placing children at the centre of every space, every decision, and every invitation to play. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how our learning environments come to life and how nursery managers and educators might adapt and reimagine a setting to better meet the needs of Early Years children. In this episode:A room-by-room breakdown of Atelier’s learning spaces within a mixed-age, free flow setting The role of block play, real tools, open-ended resources and loose parts across age groups Practical tips on how to build autonomy and sequential learning into physical spaces The power of artist-led studios, Atelier’s ‘Gallery School’, and embedding community connections What it means to “wallow in learning” and the importance of building opportunities for children to slow down into your Early Years setting How our garden space supports risk, growth and gross motor development Why your team’s intent, autonomy and curiosity matter as much as the children’s Standing on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. Those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows: Loris Malaguzzi – for the Reggio Emilia concept of the environment as the third teacher, and the Hundred Languages of Children Friedrich Froebel – for his philosophy on block play and large-scale movement Simon Nicholson – for the Theory of Loose Parts and the value of open-ended, natural materials Elinor Goldschmied – for her work on treasure baskets, heuristic play, and supporting the youngest children The Hundred Languages of Children – a guiding principle in how we design spaces for creative, multi-modal expression Find out more: Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: Early Years environment, nursery design, Reggio Emilia, loose parts, heuristic play, Froebel, child-led spaces, block play, atelier studio, garden learning, outdoor provision, gallery school, creative learning environments

“These inspections are our opportunity to show and tell. To celebrate what we’re doing day in, day out.” – Clare Crowther, Atelier Director Think of this episode of Atelier Talks as your essential guide to acing your nursery’s Oftsed inspection. We take you behind the scenes of our recent OFSTED inspection, which resulted in our Chippenham setting proudly retaining its Outstanding status.  This episode is one you don’t want to miss as we share everything you need to know BEFORE you get ‘that phone call’, from the paperwork to ensure you have to hand, to how to empower your nursery team with confidence to showcase the very best of your Early Years setting and practice. Whether you’re a nursery manager, setting leader or Early Years educator, we’re opening up everything we’ve learned across seven Outstanding inspections to help you feel confident, and well prepared for yours. We’re sharing what worked, what surprised us, what we held steady through, and how to put your best foot forward without putting on a performance, but holding on to your values so you can showcase your pedagogy, and stand proud in who you are and what you do day in, day out. In this episode:What to expect when the call comes and how to prepare your team in a calm, empowering way The “learning walk” demystified: what to say, how to show it, and why consistency is key Comfort blankets and confidence boosters: how we prepare our staff and documentation Why embedding reflection and critical friendship across your team is your best OFSTED strategy How to answer difficult questions with honesty and strength (especially in unique settings) The tools, systems and routines that helped us stay calm, collected and focused Our top tips for inspection day, from the practical to the emotional Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: OFSTED Outstanding, Early Years inspection, nursery manager tips, learning walk EYFS, OFSTED preparation, key person approach, Early Years leadership, Early Years self-evaluation, child-led pedagogy, inspection readiness, show and tell not hide and seek, mixed-age settings, nursery staff confidence, EYFS documentation.

“It’s about pedagogy, not Pinterest.” – Clare, Director What does an enabling environment really look like? In this episode of Atelier Talks, we explore how thoughtfully designed environments (both physical and emotional) can transform your Early Years setting. This episode is a real behind-the-scenes exclusive insight into how we design and continually review and adapt our nursery spaces here at Atelier. From authentic tools and open-ended resources to carefully curated emotional environments, we discuss how we build spaces that reflect the children at the centre of them; places that inspire autonomy, creativity, and joy. This episode offers a wealth of practical ideas to help you reimagine what your own environment could look like when you really get down on the children’s level and ask yourself “what does it feel like to be a child here?” In this episode, we share:What makes an environment “enabling”, beyond surface aesthetics Why reliable, well-stocked spaces matter just as much as beautiful ones How we use authentic tools, natural materials and loose parts in our mixed-age setting The role of the emotional environment in supporting wellbeing and deep learning How we structure continuous provision, block play, clay work and real-life provocations The Reggio Emilia influence behind our workshop model and third teacher philosophy Our approach to zoning, flow, and flexible furniture for evolving cohorts Examples of community projects and how we bring families and local voices into the nursery Standing on the shoulders of giantsThe magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows: Loris Malaguzzi – founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, which inspires our workshop model, visual presentation of materials, and the concept of the environment as “the third teacher.” Friedrich Froebel – for his philosophy on occupations, block play, and the foundational principles behind hands-on learning and real tools in Early Years. Simon Nicholson – originator of the Theory of Loose Parts, which underpins our use of open-ended, natural materials. Elinor Goldschmied – for her work on heuristic play and treasure baskets, foundational to sensory exploration in early childhood. Reggio Children – referenced more broadly in relation to environments, mark making, and provocations, such as “paper as a receiver” and collaborative projects. The Hundred Languages of Children – a core concept from Reggio Emilia practice guiding our creative and multi-modal learning environments. Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: enabling environments, pedagogy not Pinterest, Reggio Emilia, Froebel, block play, loose parts, heuristic play, workshop model, Early Years education, mixed-age settings, child-led learning, nursery design, sensory play, autonomy in learning.

“It’s a privilege to look after other people’s children” - Lauren What does it take to build deep, lasting trust in a nursery setting? In this episode of Atelier Talks, we explore the role of the Key Person approach, often referred to at Atelier as the Key Family model. Rooted in attachment theory and steeped in real love (not just “professional love”), in this episode we unpack how relationships are built, maintained, and celebrated at Atelier, from home visits and settling-in sessions to key family time and sibling connections. You will learn how to strengthen your relationships with families within a nursery setting, or if you’re an educator wanting to deepen your understanding of responsive care, this episode offers plenty of practical strategies and inspiration to reimagine how love and trust can underpin your practice. In this episode:What makes the Key Person approach at Atelier different from standard EY models Why trust, attachment, and emotional safety unlock growth and learning How we’ve embedded the Key Family model across our mixed-age, free-flow settings The importance of home visits, continuity, and relational care Tips for overhauling your settling-in process Practical staff development strategies to support this approach Building strong parent partnerships through openness and community Standing on the shoulders of giants: The magic of Atelier draws on foundational thinking from a range of influential Early Years theorists and educators. If you’d like to find out more about the voices that shape our deeply relational, child-centred practice here at Atelier, those mentioned in today’s episode are as follows:  Peter Elfer - the Key Person approach and the concept of the "stretching elastic" between child and practitioner. Elinor Goldschmied - “islands of intimacy” and relational care. Jools Page - her research into the concept of professional love in Early Years education. Dr. Chris Pascal - for questioning the term “professional love” and encouraging us to simply recognise it as love. Find out more:Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via our website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast 🎧 @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com Keywords: Key Person approach, Key Families, Early Years education, nursery trust-building, attachment theory, emotional development, settling-in strategies, responsive care, parent partnerships, professional love.

“Children are capable of so much - if we let them.” What if babies and preschoolers could learn alongside each other every day? At Atelier, they do, and we're here to share with you just how transformative this approach can be in your nursery setting. In today’s episode we take you through the benefits and practical realities of the mixed-age key family approach our nursery has become well known (and loved!) for. From peer scaffolding and social-emotional development to fluid, child-led environments and trust-based pedagogy, the Atelier leadership team share their experiences of creating a setting where all children, regardless of age, can learn and grow together. This episode is absolutely brimming with practical insights and all our best tips on how to start implementing this approach, so if you're curious about how mixed-age learning could transform your setting (or even if you're a parent wondering how this actually works in practice) you'll definitely want to grab your notebook! In this episode:What the mixed-age key family model really looks like in practice at Atelier Why peer learning and scaffolding flourishes across age groups The role of trust, risk, and autonomy in child development How staff and children adapt to a fully free-flow environment Tips for nursery leaders thinking about transitioning away from age-defined groupings Planning, communication, and ‘rhythm not routines’ at Atelier Insights into personalised CPD and staff development in a mixed-age setting Find out more: ·        Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk  ·        Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd  ·        Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via the website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast www.decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: Early Years education, child-led learning, Mixed-Age,  key family groups, reflective practice, nursery leadership.

What does truly child-led learning look like? The Atelier team explore autonomy, relationships, and purposeful planning, blending Reggio Emilia, Froebel, and research-led pedagogy into a setting where children, families and staff feel seen, heard, and inspired. Brought to you by the Atelier Nursery senior leadership team, proudly produced by Decibelle Creative. “It doesn’t fit a business plan, it doesn’t fit an educational curriculum… it’s about a feel—what feels right for those children, what feels right for those families.” Clare, Director Welcome back to Atelier Talks, the Early Years Collective. In this episode, the Atelier team explore autonomy, relationships, and purposeful planning, blending Reggio Emilia, Froebel, and research-led pedagogy into a setting where children, families and staff feel seen, heard, and inspired. Consider this episode permission to do things differently in your Early Years practice, and get ready for a deep dive with Clare, Beth, Lauren and Laura, into research-led Early Years education, the Atelier way. In this episode: Reggio Emilia, Froebel, Vygotsky and Katz: blending research into everyday pedagogy Why autonomy matters (for children and practitioners) The child-led planning cycle: from individual interests to project work The “confronto” process: how Atelier educators reflect deeply on their children’s development Why relationships with families are at the heart of our practice Find out more: ·        Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk ·        Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd ·        Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via the website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast www.decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: Early Years education, child-led learning, Reggio Emilia, Froebel, key family groups, reflective practice, nursery leadership.

An introduction to the people and principles behind Atelier Nursery Meet the team behind Atelier Nursery and discover the story, values, and philosophy that shape this award-winning Early Years setting. From free-flow learning to mixed-age groups, find out what makes Atelier unique, and upcoming episode topics to look forward to. Brought to you by the Atelier Nursery senior leadership team, proudly produced by Decibelle Creative. “You walk in the door and you just get the feeling of love, warmth, of determination. Not only with our children, but with us as well.” Beth, Senior Leader Welcome to Atelier Talks, the Early Years Collective. This is a podcast for educators, parents and Early Years professionals who want to raise the bar and reimagine what Early Years education can be. In this very first episode, join Atelier Nursery Director Clare Crowther and the leadership team (Beth, Laura and Lauren) as they share the story, philosophy and passion behind Atelier Nursery. Built on internationally recognised best practice and inspired by Reggio Emilia and Froebel, Atelier is more than just a nursery—it’s a creative, connected, research-led Early Years setting where children are respected as capable learners. In this episode: Meet your Atelier Talks hosts: the team behind Atelier Nursery The story of how Atelier was founded (and what the name really means…) What makes Atelier’s pedagogy different: from mixed-age groups to free-flow learning Reggio, Froebel and Katz: the principles that shape the rich pedagogy at Atelier Why this podcast exists, and what’s coming up next Find out more: ·        Website and newsletter: ateliernursery.co.uk ·        Instagram: @ateliernurseryltd ·        Consultancy enquiries: Contact us via the website Together, we’ll unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast www.decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative Keywords: Early Years education, child-led learning, Reggio Emilia nursery, professional development for educators, pedagogy in practice.

A podcast for educators, by educators. The podcast from Atelier Nursery Welcome to Atelier Talks, the podcast lifting the lid on what it really takes to build an outstanding Early Years setting. Hosted by the Atelier leadership team, this series shares honest conversations, research-led practice, and practical strategies for educators. Whether you’re a nursery manager, practitioner, student or parent, this is your place for grounded inspiration and fresh thinking in Early Years. Come and connect with us; together we will unlock the potential for incredible growth and learning. ateliernursery.co.uk @ateliernurseryltd Proudly produced by Decibelle Creative | @decibelle_creative