Sunshine Pyynikki
Sunshine Pyynikki is a small and cosy English-language daycare and kindergarten in the Pyynikki area of Tampere city centre. Our early education centre offers children a warm, home-like learning environment where they can play and grow as part of an international community.
Small daycare centres in Pyynikki
Sunshine Pyynikki operates in two different buildings on Pirkankatu, offering a total of 49 places for children. The small size of the centres supports a calm, familiar and welcoming atmosphere for both children and families.
Our daily activities combine clear structure and routines with free play, exploration and child-led learning. Children are offered a variety of play, creative and learning activities, while their interests, ideas and developmental needs guide the planning of the day.
A day at Sunshine
Starting daycare is a big step for the whole family. Here you can find out what a typical day at Sunshine looks like, from morning arrival and meals to play, outdoor time, rest and pick-up routines.
Morning arrival
Our daycare centre opens at 7:00 am, and breakfast is served at around 8:00 am. If you would like your child to have breakfast at Sunshine, please arrive before 8:15 am so there is enough time to settle in and begin the day calmly.
Play and small group activities
During the day, children take part in small group activities that support their individual needs, interests and development.
Our daily programme combines familiar routines with free play, creative exploration and pedagogically planned activities. This gives children a safe and predictable rhythm while leaving plenty of room for imagination, independence and joyful learning.
Outdoor time
Outdoor play is part of our everyday routine. We aim to go outside twice a day, as fresh air, movement and time in nature support children’s wellbeing, motor skills and learning.
Please make sure your child has weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and enough spare clothes for the day. In heavy continuous rain or when winter temperatures fall below -15 °C, we may stay indoors or go outside only briefly if the weather allows.
Lunch and rest
Most groups have lunch between 11:00 am and 11:30 am. After lunch, children have a calm rest time. Every child needs a peaceful moment during the daycare day, whether they sleep, rest quietly or simply take time to recharge before the afternoon activities.
Afternoon play and pick-up
In the afternoon, children enjoy a snack at around 2:00 pm and continue their day with play, small group activities and outdoor time when possible.Pick-up is also an important moment for sharing information between families and our staff. We want every child to end the daycare day feeling safe, seen and ready to come back again tomorrow.
Come and visit Sunshine
A visit is the best way to experience Sunshine’s warm atmosphere, meet our staff and see how English, play and friendships are part of everyday life. You can apply for daycare at any time, and we will guide you through the next steps.
Convenient location near FISTA
Sunshine Pyynikki is located near the Finnish International School of Tampere, FISTA. For many families, this makes the location especially practical if they already have older children at FISTA or are looking for an English-language early learning path in Tampere.
The Pyynikki area is a wonderful location for early childhood education in Tampere. Sunshine Pyynikki is close to libraries, theatres, museums, gym halls, playgrounds and the beautiful Pyynikki forest.
Our groups regularly explore the local area, and the short walk to the forest gives children many opportunities to move, play and learn outdoors.
Sunshine Pyynikki – Experiences from Our Families
”Children learn best when they feel happy, confident and inspired.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching children surprise themselves – whether it’s saying their first words in English, making a new friend or discovering something completely new. Those everyday moments remind me why I love what I do.
Employee Three
Position
Frequently asked questions about daycare
Would you like to know more about English Early Education, opening hours or applying for daycare? Read our frequently asked questions or contact us — we are happy to help.
Does my child need to know English before starting?
No, your child does not need to know any English before starting at Sunshine. Children naturally learn English through play, daily routines, songs, and conversations.
Most of our staff also speak Finnish, so your child will feel supported and understood from day one. Children typically acquire the language quickly and soon begin to use familiar words, songs, and phrases in everyday situations.
What are the daycare’s opening hours?
Sunshine Early Learning Centres are typically open from 7:00 to 17:00.
In exceptional cases, opening hours can be extended between 6:00 and 18:00 due to both guardians’ work commitments. The earlier opening and later pick up times must always be agreed beforehand with the Daycare Manager.
Can we visit before applying?
Yes, you are warmly welcome to visit our daycare centres before applying.
Please contact the daycare manager to book a visit. We also organise open house events at least once per semester, where families can explore the daycare, meet our teachers, and learn more about daily life and early childhood education at Sunshine.
What to pack for daycare?
At daycare, we spend time both indoors and outdoors every day, so it is essential that your child has the right equipment and clothing for all weather conditions.
To make sure your child can comfortably take part in all daily activities, please prepare the following items for daycare:
Weather-appropriate outdoor clothes and shoes
Rain clothes and boots
Spare clothes (1–2 sets depending on the child’s age)
Indoor slippers
A water bottle
A cuddly toy for nap time
Diapers and personal hygiene items, if needed
Please remember to write your child’s name to all their clothes. That is the only way of preventing the clothes from mixing up or getting lost.
How do we apply?
You can apply to our daycare centre all year round.
Fill in the application form, and we will contact you as soon as possible, usually on the next weekday. We will guide you through the next steps and help you find a suitable option for your child.
Customer Fees and Service Voucher
The fee per child at the Sunshine Pyynikki daycare
centre is between €60 and €395 per month
Sunshine is a service voucher daycare centre, which means that daycare fees are subsidised by the city of Tampere. The final cost depends on your family’s size and income.
For an exact daycare fee, please contact us – we’re happy to help!
Contact Information
If you are looking for English daycare, kindergarten or early childhood education in Tampere, Sunshine Pyynikki offers a caring, international and child-centred learning environment close to nature, culture and FISTA.
Get in touch with us to ask about available daycare places or to learn more about applying to Sunshine Pyynikki.
Opening Hours
7.00–17.00 Monday to Friday
