The Magic of Atelier
Accompanying Episode 3 of the Atelier Podcast
Inside Atelier: A Glimpse into the Magic
Welcome back to the Atelier Podcast — and if you're just joining us, welcome in. In this second episode, we invite you to lean in a little closer, to begin uncovering the stories, the values, and the intentional decisions that shape life at Atelier Nursery.
We believe that early childhood is not a waiting room for life- it is life, and everything we do, from our environments to our relationships, reflects that belief. So, what makes Atelier... Atelier?
It starts with our image of the child: capable, curious, and full of potential. Our practice is built on trust — in children, in their rhythms, in their questions, and in their need for deep relationships. That’s why we work in mixed-age family groups, where babies, toddlers, and young children share experiences, learn from one another, and build real community. It’s an approach rooted in respect and responsive care — and the outcomes are powerful.
You’ll hear us talk often about “key families”, not just key workers. Because for us, it’s about connection. Our educators are not just caregivers — they’re researchers, co-learners, and consistent figures in a child’s world. These relationships create a strong foundation for emotional wellbeing, resilience, and joyful learning.
And then there’s our pedagogy — inspired by Reggio Emilia, grounded in UK best practice, and brought to life through the voices of our team, our children, and our families. We don’t chase outcomes; we craft experiences. We slow down, observe closely, and plan with intention. Our environments are thoughtful, beautiful, and alive with possibility.
This episode offers a window into how all these elements — our spaces, our structures, our language and our learning — come together. But really, it's just the beginning. In the coming episodes, we’ll be taking a deeper dive into each layer of what makes Atelier unique. From enabling environments to reflective practice, from pedagogical leadership to the art of listening, we’ll explore how our decisions support children to thrive — not just now, but far into the future.
We hope this glimpse leaves you curious.
Because that’s the magic of Atelier — once you begin to look closer, you realise there’s so much more to discover.