Atelier Talks

Decibelle Creative

Atelier Talks is a podcast for educators who want to deepen their understanding of outstanding Early Years education. Hosted by the expert team behind the award-winning Atelier Nursery, join Clare, Beth, Lauren and Laura to explore the magic of Atelier, unpacking their real-life Early Years practice rooted in Reggio Emilia, Froebelian principles, and child-led learning. From free-flow and mixed-age provision to creating inspiring learning environments, each episode offers valuable insights to support child development, professional growth, and Early Years practice. Whether you're a nursery practitioner, manager, consultant, or parent curious about progressive Early Years approaches, you'll find inspiration and practical strategies to apply in your own setting. Step inside a truly unique nursery with the most passionate team you'll ever meet - and discover how principles become practice, where children thrive and educators grow. This is the podcast that puts principles into practice and brings research to life, to hit subscribe and come and discover the fine line between chaos and cosmos that defines the outstanding Early Years practice at Atelier Nursery. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast.

  1. 19 小時前

    Be the Leader You’d Want To Be Led By: Award Winning Early Years Leadership

    “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 leadershipHow we coach our team using reflective practice Real leadership development stories from inside AtelierWhy vision setting and relationship building must go hand-in-handHow we support our team through supervisions, appraisals and “walk and talk” feedbackStrategies for growing new leaders from within your teamThe 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 leadershipElinor Goldschmied – for her emphasis on sensitive care, intimacy and connectionJools Page – for the concept of Professional Love and how it extends to staff relationshipsReggio Children – for influencing our approach to coaching, vision setting and collaborative dialogueLencioni & Covey – for leadership thinking that inspires clarity, trust and accountabilitySonia Jackson – for her work on professionalising Early Years leadershipJohn 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

    44 分鐘
  2. 9月11日

    Seeing Babies as Confident Capable Learners: How To Champion The Youngest Children In Your Nursery

    “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 researchersThe 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 settingHow to build slow, nurturing routines that honour each child’s needs and rhythmThe role of the key person in building deep trust and emotional safety for babiesHow to support your team to value and advocate for babies as communicators and learnersWhy “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 careJools Page – for the concept of Professional Love and her research into emotional attachmentJohn Bowlby – for foundational attachment theory that supports our relational approachAnne Langston & Lesley Abbott – for raising the status of baby practitioners and promoting child rightsLoris Malaguzzi & Reggio Children – for inspiring our view of babies as capable learners and researchersSonia 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

    45 分鐘
  3. 9月4日

    Simple September: Creating Stability for New and Returning Families at Nursery

    “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 alikeHow we maintain consistency in environment, rhythm and routines (and why)Managing key person attachments, transitions and new children with careHow we support new leaders and deputies during their first SeptemberWhat we intentionally don’t do in September (and why that matters)Family communication tipsThe 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

    41 分鐘
  4. 8月21日

    Settling In at Nursery: How to Build Trust and Create a Confident Start

    “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 settlingThe 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 transitionsWhat to say when parents push for a faster startSupporting children through the “honeymoon period” and post-settle wobblesReal strategies from the floor: what key people do to build strong, secure attachmentsHow 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 caregiverElinor Goldschmied – for her emphasis on emotional care, intimacy and routine as opportunities for connectionJools Page – for her research on Professional Love and what it means to truly nurture in practiceReggio 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

    49 分鐘
  5. 8月7日

    How to Bring Learning to Life with Projects and Provocations in Your Early Years Setting

    “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 differenceHow we build long-term, child-led investigations across age groups and settingsExamples of our favourite projects… Mango pasta, anyone? The importance of “slow pedagogy” and taking learning at the child’s paceHow we use exhibitions to make learning visible for children, families and the whole communityWhat pedagogical conversations look like in our weekly staff planning timeHow to support your team to plan, document, and challenge their assumptions of what our children are capable ofWhy 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 ChildrenFriedrich Froebel – for his influence on materials, connection, opposites, and real-life skillsSimon Nicholson – for his Theory of Loose Parts and its impact on open-ended, investigative learningMartin Pace – for challenging and refining our thinking around project and provocation pedagogyReggio 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...

    41 分鐘
  6. 7月24日

    Step Inside Atelier: A Room-By-Room Tour Of Our Outstanding 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 settingThe role of block play, real tools, open-ended resources and loose parts across age groupsPractical tips on how to build autonomy and sequential learning into physical spacesThe power of artist-led studios, Atelier’s ‘Gallery School’, and embedding community connectionsWhat it means to “wallow in learning” and the importance of building opportunities for children to slow down into your Early Years settingHow our garden space supports risk, growth and gross motor developmentWhy 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 ChildrenFriedrich Froebel – for his philosophy on block play and large-scale movementSimon Nicholson – for the Theory of Loose Parts and the value of open-ended, natural materialsElinor Goldschmied – for her work on treasure baskets, heuristic play, and supporting the youngest childrenThe 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

    46 分鐘
  7. 7月10日

    How to Prepare for an OFSTED Inspection: Insights From Our Outstanding Nursery

    “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 wayThe “learning walk” demystified: what to say, how to show it, and why consistency is keyComfort blankets and confidence boosters: how we prepare our staff and documentationWhy embedding reflection and critical friendship across your team is your best OFSTED strategyHow to answer difficult questions with honesty and strength (especially in unique settings)The tools, systems and routines that helped us stay calm, collected and focusedOur 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.

    43 分鐘
  8. 6月26日

    Enabling Environments: How To Create Early Years Spaces That Support Real Learning

    “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 aestheticsWhy reliable, well-stocked spaces matter just as much as beautiful onesHow we use authentic tools, natural materials and loose parts in our mixed-age settingThe role of the emotional environment in supporting wellbeing and deep learningHow we structure continuous provision, block play, clay work and real-life provocationsThe Reggio Emilia influence behind our workshop model and third teacher philosophyOur approach to zoning, flow, and flexible furniture for evolving cohortsExamples 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,...

    40 分鐘

簡介

Atelier Talks is a podcast for educators who want to deepen their understanding of outstanding Early Years education. Hosted by the expert team behind the award-winning Atelier Nursery, join Clare, Beth, Lauren and Laura to explore the magic of Atelier, unpacking their real-life Early Years practice rooted in Reggio Emilia, Froebelian principles, and child-led learning. From free-flow and mixed-age provision to creating inspiring learning environments, each episode offers valuable insights to support child development, professional growth, and Early Years practice. Whether you're a nursery practitioner, manager, consultant, or parent curious about progressive Early Years approaches, you'll find inspiration and practical strategies to apply in your own setting. Step inside a truly unique nursery with the most passionate team you'll ever meet - and discover how principles become practice, where children thrive and educators grow. This is the podcast that puts principles into practice and brings research to life, to hit subscribe and come and discover the fine line between chaos and cosmos that defines the outstanding Early Years practice at Atelier Nursery. Atelier Talks is a Decibelle Creative original podcast.