ECEC in Finland – prioritizing presence and wellbeing
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) experts from Australia joined Learning Scoop’s study tour to delve into the Finnish education system. We had the joy to welcome this wonderful group by Tours for Teachers to Finland to explore both the educational and cultural atmosphere.
On the first day, the group received an introduction to the core principles of Finnish education and visited Vatiala School (grades 1–6). The visitors were impressed by the students’ calmness, confidence, and self-direction. A group of special education students charmed everyone with their openness and thoughtful questions! Trust — a defining feature of Finnish education — was visible everywhere, sparking lively discussion on the role, trust, and autonomy of teachers.
Next day Learning Scoop’s ECEC study tour, participants visited Kalkunvuori daycare centre, where they explored early childhood education (ages 1–5) and pre-primary education (age 6). The group was deeply impressed by the child-centered approach, the emphasis on essential skill development, and the pervasive trust in children’s own abilities. A highlight was the integrated child group, where children with different strengths and challenges learn together in a supportive atmosphere. Finland’s strong commitment to outdoor activities and learning in nature sparked admiration – and a bit of awe!
Nature and wellbeing meet in Finland
In Finland, nature is not just scenery – it’s a way of life. This trip included some cultural experiences such as Finnish Sauna Experience, Finnish Nature Experience and Ice Hockey game at Nokia Arena. These delightful activities gave insights how local people live, why nature matters and what kind of elements bring joy, relaxation and boost work-life balance. In Finland, happiness isn’t just about policies or prosperity – it’s also about the ability to step outside and feel connected to the natural world. Perhaps that’s the real secret to Finnish happiness: a life lived in harmony with nature.
To see and feel this harmony more, we visited a daycare group Luhtaröllit which is mostly operating in the forest setting and a nature-oriented daycare center Oravametsä. We got to observe different groups of children in the forest, playing, following a path with tasks left by a troll, “Puro-peikko” and having lunch. The participants admired the children’s calmness and good gross-motorical skills. Forest is a calming and stress-free environment for adults too. Like one participant said, “it is easy to bring a little magic to the children when the environment is like a fairytale forest.”
Key take-aways
During their visit to Finland, a group of Australian educators were deeply inspired by the Finnish approach to early childhood education. What stood out most was the gentle, unrushed flow of the day, where learning unfolds naturally, and everything seems to fall into place with calm intention.
They were especially moved by how nature is woven into the learning experience. Children spend time outdoors in peaceful, green environments that nurture both curiosity for learning and emotional wellbeing. This connection to nature, combined with the presence of passionate educators, creates a sense of balance and care that defines the Finnish ECEC.
This was my first study tour overseas and I was so pleased to have experienced the excellent care and attention to detail presented by Learning Scoop. From the wonderful experiences to the school tours to the daily lectures. I have learned so much and have fallen in love with Finland and it’s peoples’ and ways!
While Australian educators approach many aspects of their own education system with a similar mindset, the visit sparked fresh inspiration. The group expressed a renewed desire to bring more educational content into natural settings and to deepen the focus on wellbeing and flow in their daily practices.
The ECEC experience left them with a powerful reminder for prioritizing presence, peace, and the whole child. Thank you Tours for Teachers, lovely tour leader Lou and everyone who contributed to this learning experience!
If you wish to have a similar experience and looking for a professional development program for yourself, you are warmly welcome to join the next batch in 2026! Contact Tours for Teachers for more information.