
Podcasts
Atelier Talks: The Early Years Collective
The Only Early Years Podcast Led by Providers, for Providers.
Atelier Talks is a dynamic and thought-provoking podcast where the Atelier team shares expertise, insights, and discussions on the most pressing issues in the early years sector. Released every two weeks, each episode brings together practitioners, consultants, and leaders from both Atelier Nursery and Atelier Consultancy, ensuring that the topics are always rooted in real practice and relevant to providers today.
We tackle everything from pedagogy and leadership to working with babies, recruitment challenges, and sector-wide policy changes. This is not just another early years discussion—it is a space for providers to connect, learn, and feel supported by a community that truly understands the realities of the sector.
Listen now and join the conversation.
How To Grow Your Nursery Team Into Leaders
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.
Be The Early Years Leader You’d Want To Be Led By
In this episode, we explore the unique style of leadership that shapes everything we do at Atelier, in both our nurseries and consultancy. Moving away from traditional hierarchies, we share how emotionally intelligent, collaborative leadership can create a culture of clarity, empathy, and purpose in Early Years. From vision-setting and reflective practice to distributive leadership and growing new leaders from within, we discuss the balance of kindness and challenge, structure and flexibility that defines our approach.
Babies at Atelier: Nurturing Our Youngest Learners
At Atelier, we recognise babies as curious, capable learners with unique needs and perspectives. In our Baby Nest, we prioritise secure attachments, calm and nurturing spaces, and care that follows each child’s individual rhythm. By working in close partnership with parents and gradually introducing babies to the wider nursery community, we create the foundations for confident, happy beginnings and a strong sense of belonging.
Simple September: Creating Calm, Joyful Beginnings for the New Term
At Atelier Nursery, we believe the new term should begin with calm and connection. Our Simple September approach avoids the whirlwind of immediate new projects, instead prioritising strong relationships, steady routines, and the wellbeing of both children and educators.
Starting Nursery: Building Trust and Understanding
When you invest in supporting children and families to start well at your setting, the impact is clear and long lasting. In this episode we discuss tips on the best ways to ensure that your settling sessions create enduring, positive partnerships with parents by building trust with a confident start at nursery.
Projects and Provocations – Deepening Children’s Meaningful Learning
In this episode, we explore the role of project-led learning and intentional daily provocations in shaping rich, meaningful experiences at Atelier Nursery. Learn how children’s interests grow into sustained inquiries, how carefully designed provocations invite exploration, and how this approach aligns with the EYFS while fostering confident, independent thinkers.
Take a Step Inside: A Walk Through Atelier Nursery
Step inside Atelier Nursery and discover how thoughtfully designed environments can nurture curiosity, confidence, and connection. In this episode, we explore how every detail - from natural materials to layout - supports child-led learning, independence, and a deep sense of belonging. It’s not just about how the space looks, but how it feels to be there.
How to Prepare for an OFSTED Inspection: Insights From Our Outstanding Nursery
In this podcast episode, we explore how to prepare for Ofsted in a calm, confident wayfocusing on knowing your children and curriculum deeply, not rehearsing or over-prepping. We share leadership insights from real inspections and offer practical tips to help teams stay grounded, empowered, and ready to showcase what makes their setting special.
The Environment as the Third Teacher
At Atelier, we believe the environment is never passive. It is alive, responsive, and intentional-a third teacher that communicates our values long before we say a word. In this Podcast, we discuss how we have taken inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach, to design spaces that invite children to explore, imagine, and connect.
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