“Put your big girl pants on. Be brave. Love your team. Support them. Enjoy your new families and build your community.”

– Laura, Nursery Manager

What dowe mean by ‘Simple September’ at Atelier? In this episode we’re discussing one of the busiest (and most important) times of the Early Years calendar: September. Whether you're welcoming new babies, supporting toddlers through transition, or helping your older children take the next step, this episode is a full walkthrough of how we at Atelier prepare our team, environment and systems for a smooth and emotionally intelligent start to the academic year.

From operations and environment to staff wellbeing and communication, we’re sharing what Simple September really means in practice, and how slowing down, staying consistent and leading with empathy is the way to go when welcoming a new cohort of children and families into your nursery.

In this episode:

• What “Simple September” means and how it supports children, staff and families alike
• How we maintain consistency in environment, rhythm and routines (and why)
• Managing key person attachments, transitions and new children with care
• How we support new leaders and deputies during their first September
• What we intentionally don’t do in September (and why that matters)
• Family communication tips
• The power of Reflect & Connect sessions and ‘10-minute talks’
• Real examples of small changes that improve flow, reduce stress and build connection

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: nursery start of term, September in EYFS, key person approach, Early Years transitions, simple September nursery, new cohort planning, mixed-age nursery, predictable environment, attachment in early years, managing change, early years leadership, Reflect and Connect, family communication nursery, Reggio-inspired settling