“We’ve not stopped. We’ve tested our skills, tested our knowledge, and we’ve supported each other through it all."

- Beth, Atelier Leadership Team

Where has 2025 gone?! In this special end-of-series episode, jpin us as we take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything we’ve built together this year, as a nursery, as a consultancy, and… as podcasters!

Joined by our full leadership team (Clare, Beth, Lauren and Laura) we’re taking a look back on a landmark year at Atelier: from the launch of our consultancy and this podcast, to professional awards, Reggio study tours, outstanding OFSTED inspections, and of course the magic of everyday nursery life behind the doors of Atelier.

We share what’s moved us, challenged us, and inspired us, from our team CPD days and enrichment experiences, to key pieces of training and research that have helped shape our pedagogy. We hope this episode inspires our fellow educators, leader and early years professionals to make time for your own reflections and we encourage you to take stock of everything you've achieved this year, big or small.

Thankyou for listening and being part of the Atelier Talks community - we can’t wait to be back with you again for Series 2 in the new year.

In this episode:

• The word that sums up our year from each team member
• What we learned from our team enrichment activities throughout 2025
• How we kept our Ofsted Outstanding grading (even during a period of transition and staffing challenges!)
• Reflections on new leadership skills we’ve built on throughout the year, including project management, research roles and public speaking
• A reminder on why we prioritise slow pedagogy and mindful moments for both children and staff
• Our full debrief on launching our podcast this year - challenges and wins that have come our way as a result of Atelier Talks
• What to expect from Series 2 and how we hope to include more guests, more connection and more voices from the sector - could that be you…?

As always, our reflections are grounded in the influence of the educators and theorists who continue to shape our practice:

• Loris Malaguzzi – for inspiring our relational practice and environments via Reggio Emilia
• Friedrich Froebel – for grounding us in seasonal rhythms and slow pedagogy
• Peter Elfer & Elinor Goldschmied – for emotionally attuned care and the Key Person approach
• Jools Page – for Professional Love in leadership and educator-child relationships
• Mona Sakr – for advocacy and research into the rights of babies and transitions
• Dr. Chris Pascal – for leadership in early years research and reflection
• Aaron Bradbury – for championing practitioner voice, play and anti-bias practice

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

@decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

Keywords: early years podcast UK, atelier talks podcast, early years reflection, slow pedagogy, Froebel training, Reggio Emilia nursery UK, early years...