“These inspections are our opportunity to show and tell. To celebrate what we’re doing day in, day out.”

– Clare Crowther, Atelier Director

Think of this episode of Atelier Talks as your essential guide to acing your nursery’s Oftsed inspection. We take you behind the scenes of our recent OFSTED inspection, which resulted in our Chippenham setting proudly retaining its Outstanding status.

This episode is one you don’t want to miss as we share everything you need to know BEFORE you get ‘that phone call’, from the paperwork to ensure you have to hand, to how to empower your nursery team with confidence to showcase the very best of your Early Years setting and practice.

Whether you’re a nursery manager, setting leader or Early Years educator, we’re opening up everything we’ve learned across seven Outstanding inspections to help you feel confident, and well prepared for yours.

We’re sharing what worked, what surprised us, what we held steady through, and how to put your best foot forward without putting on a performance, but holding on to your values so you can showcase your pedagogy, and stand proud in who you are and what you do day in, day out.

In this episode:

• What to expect when the call comes and how to prepare your team in a calm, empowering way
• The “learning walk” demystified: what to say, how to show it, and why consistency is key
• Comfort blankets and confidence boosters: how we prepare our staff and documentation
• Why embedding reflection and critical friendship across your team is your best OFSTED strategy
• How to answer difficult questions with honesty and strength (especially in unique settings)
• The tools, systems and routines that helped us stay calm, collected and focused
• Our top tips for inspection day, from the practical to the emotional

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

Produced by Decibelle Creative – decibellecreative.com / @decibelle_creative

Keywords: OFSTED Outstanding, Early Years inspection, nursery manager tips, learning walk EYFS, OFSTED preparation, key person approach, Early Years leadership, Early Years self-evaluation, child-led pedagogy, inspection readiness, show and tell not hide and seek, mixed-age settings, nursery staff confidence, EYFS documentation.