Sunshine Pyynikki Star
Sunshine Pyynikki Star is an English-speaking daycare centre in Tampere, located in the Pyynikki-Amuri area next to Pyynikki Square.
Our daycare offers high-quality early childhood education and care for families looking for a warm, international and easily accessible daycare environment in Tampere.
Daycare and kindergarten close to nature and city center
At Sunshine Pyynikki Star, children learn through play, movement, exploration, language, and everyday interactions. We support each child as a whole person: their ideas, emotions, sensory experiences, physical development and thinking all matter. Children are encouraged to make age-appropriate choices, express themselves, and grow into confident persons.
One of our key goals is to create a genuine love of learning. Our children and families come from many different cultural and language backgrounds, which makes our daycare community rich, open-minded, and inspiring. We value every child’s voice and work closely with families to help each child feel safe, included, and excited to learn.
A day at Sunshine Pyynikki Star
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.
An international daycare community
Respect, inclusion, and friendship are part of our everyday life. Children grow into understanding that different languages, cultures, and perspectives are natural and valuable. In our daycare centre, every child is encouraged to make friends, listen to others, and participate in the group in their own way.
Our location gives children many opportunities to explore Tampere. Pyynikki Forest, the Metso Library, Tampere Art Museum, parks, and playgrounds are all nearby, and good public transport connections make it easy for us to visit other child-friendly places in the city. The daycare centre can be reached conveniently by tram, bus, or car.
For families planning a longer educational path in English, the Finnish International School of Tampere (FISTA) is located just across the street from Pyynikki Star.
Sunshine Pyynikki Star – Experiences from Our Families
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 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 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 an English-speaking daycare in Tampere or applying from abroad, please contact the daycare manager for support with the application process. We are happy to help your family find out whether Pyynikki Star is the right daycare centre for your child!
Location
Opening Hours
7.00–17.00 Monday to Friday
