Our Story
Shaping Excellence in Early Years Education
Atelier Consultancy is driven by a deep passion for early childhood education, championing high-quality practice, leadership, and pedagogy.
Atelier Consultancy is here to inspire, guide, and support you in making meaningful and lasting improvements to your practice. Whether you need a one-off training session, ongoing consultancy, or a fresh perspective to overcome challenges, we are ready to help.
Let’s start a conversation about how we can work together to achieve your vision. Contact us today!
About Clare
With a career spanning leadership, training, and policy development, Clare’s influence on early years education is both profound and far-reaching.
Her journey began at Bridgwater College Children's Centre, then one of the first Early Excellence Centres in the UK, where she played a pivotal role in developing high-quality early education.
Clare became a key contributor to the Birth to Three Matters framework, shaping national practice for the youngest children.
As one of the UK’s first Forest School Leaders, Clare pioneered outdoor learning, running the Forest School Leaders Programme to inspire nature-based education across the country.
Her experience also extends to higher and further education, tutoring early years professionals at FE and HE levels, ensuring the next generation of educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need.
Clare has worked in local authority roles and was employed as an early years trainer for Somerset Local Authority, supporting practitioners and settings to enhance their provision.
Following this, Clare worked as an independent consultant with contracts including developing the provision for under twos in an Early Excellence Centre, setting up nurseries from overseeing building and construction to Ofsted initial inspection and overseeing the first six months of opening.
In recent years, Clare established Atelier Nursery Ltd, operating two Ofsted Outstanding settings in Bath and Wiltshire, renowned for their progressive approach to early education.
Alongside leading Atelier Nursery, Clare has worked with local authorities on school forums, early years reference groups, and recruitment and retention initiatives, helping to shape policy and practice at a strategic level.
Clare is also a published author and a regular contributor to leading early years publications, sharing insights that influence the wider sector.
Our Approach
We understand the complexities of delivering high-quality early years education. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, ensuring that each of our client benefits from our bespoke guidance and support to empower you and your team in developing the educational, strategic and operational elements of your setting.
Atelier Consultancy works with early years providers, local authorities, and educational organisations.
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At Atelier Consultancy, we don’t just offer advice from a distance - we live and breathe early years education every single day. As active nursery owners and leaders, we truly understand the trials and triumphs of running a high-quality setting.
We know the challenges faced by providers, from navigating funding complexities to recruitment, managing team development, and delivering an ambitious curriculum. This real-world experience makes our consultancy both relevant and practical - we are working in the sector, just like you.
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We are passionate about celebrating early years education and are the consultancy for providers seeking honest, informed, and solutions-focused support. Our services are entirely bespoke, meaning we can work with you on exactly what you need, whether you are:
A provider looking for expert guidance in the initial set up of your new setting
A school wanting to expand its early years offer, particularly for two-year-olds and under.
A long-established provider needing support to refresh and refine practice.
A setting preparing for Ofsted compliance and inspections.
A team looking for engaging, impactful training days designed specifically around your needs.
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With the skilled and experienced team at Atelier, we can support every aspect of your early years journey, from strategic leadership and curriculum development to staffing training and Ofsted compliance. Whether you need short-term intervention or ongoing consultancy, we will create a plan that works for you.
At Atelier Consultancy, we believe in empowering early years professionals to create enriching learning environments where children thrive and staff feel fulfilled. If you're looking for expert-led guidance to strengthen your setting, leadership, or practice, we’d love to collaborate.
Get in touch today to explore how Atelier Consultancy can support your vision.
Our Services
In-depth support visits to your premises to assess and guide your practice.
Our bespoke consultancy service is designed to offer tailored support, ensuring that your setting, team, and leadership can thrive.
Tailored training days to develop staff skills and enhance your setting's approach.
Individual and team support to build confidence, leadership, and professional growth.
Helping you navigate challenges, implement change, and achieve your goals.
Accredited workshops and learning opportunities to keep your practice fresh and inspired.
Contact Us
If you’d like to speak to us about any of our consultancy services please get in touch. We will get back to you as soon as we can.