Leadership in Action – Practical Guidance for Early Years Leaders

Accompanying Episode 14 of the Atelier Podcast

Leadership may be rooted in vision and philosophy, but it becomes real in the day-to-day practices of supporting and guiding a team. In our latest Atelier Talks podcast, we explored the practical side of leadership in early years settings, offering tools, strategies, and reflections for those stepping into or growing within leadership roles.

Leading the Everyday

Much of leadership happens in the small but significant daily moments: greeting staff at the start of the day, checking in on wellbeing, ensuring rooms are resourced and calm, or supporting a practitioner through a tricky interaction. These moments build trust and show that leadership is present, attentive, and invested in the team’s success.

Managing and Supporting Staff

Supervisions and appraisals are important, but leadership is also about being visible and approachable in the everyday. Leaders notice when a colleague needs encouragement, step in to support where needed, and provide clear guidance when expectations must be met. By balancing accountability with care, leaders create a culture where staff feel both valued and motivated.

Working with Parents

Parents and carers are central partners in children’s learning journeys. Strong leadership ensures that communication with families is consistent, open, and respectful. Whether celebrating a milestone, navigating a concern, or discussing a child’s development, leaders model professionalism and empathy, helping to build the trusting relationships that underpin effective partnership.

Empowering the Team

Leadership is not about doing everything yourself; it’s about enabling others to flourish. By recognising individual strengths, delegating responsibility, and offering professional development opportunities, leaders nurture a confident team who feel empowered to take initiative and contribute to decision-making. This not only strengthens practice but also supports staff retention and progression.

Developing Provision and Services

Leaders also hold the responsibility of shaping provision and ensuring that services evolve to meet children’s and families’ needs. This might mean reviewing the curriculum, introducing new training opportunities, adapting spaces, or reflecting on community engagement. Every choice a leader makes has a ripple effect, influencing the experiences of children, families, and staff.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Of course, leadership also means facing challenges. Managing difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy is a skill that grows with practice. By focusing on clarity, kindness, and respect, leaders can turn moments of tension into opportunities for understanding and positive change.

Professional Development as a Culture

At Atelier Nursery, professional development is not an “add-on.” It is woven into daily life: reflective practice, peer discussions, and ongoing training are part of the culture. Leaders model a commitment to learning that encourages others to do the same, creating an environment where growth is continuous.

To hear more on practical leadership, including advice for new leaders navigating their first steps, listen to the full Atelier Talks episode.