Tampere's early childhood education receives praise from guardians for its safe everyday environment and professional staff
The City of Tampere's annual early childhood education customer experience survey was conducted in December 2025, collecting a total of 1 491 responses. The survey measures customer experience by focusing on early childhood education, the operating culture of early childhood education, pedagogy, interaction, and areas for development. The latest results are compared with the previous year's data and used in the continuous development of operations.
Based on the responses, guardians' experience of early childhood education has improved in many areas, and 90 percent of respondents are satisfied with the daycare centers' activities. Guardians praise the daycare staff for their empathy, professionalism, and genuine care. Everyday activities and the environment are perceived as safe and warm, and the permanent daycare staff received particular praise.
Daycare centers meet families' everyday needs and expectations
The suitability of early childhood education places is a new theme in the survey, and 92% of respondents are satisfied with the daycare place they have been allocated. Although their first choice of daycare center was not always possible, many respondents say they are satisfied with the early childhood education place they have been given and do not feel the need to change it.
Daycare is safe and bullying has decreased
The responses from guardians emphasize the experience of a safe and caring everyday life. 88 percent of respondents feel that their child is treated with sensitivity in daily drop-off and pick-up situations.
In addition, bullying was perceived to be less prevalent than before. 13 percent of respondents report that their child has experienced bullying at daycare, which is six percentage points less than in the previous year. A similar six percentage point decrease was also seen in the number of bullying incidents reported by children against other children.
In addition, 67 percent of respondents felt that their child had not experienced bullying or that the staff had intervened in bullying situations. Based on the open-ended responses, the staff intervenes well in bullying situations, although some guardians feel that the large number of children makes it difficult to notice and intervene in bullying. Many respondents also note that defining bullying in young children is challenging, as they are still learning emotional and social skills. Communication about the bullying prevention plan will be further developed based on the feedback received.
Equality and diversity are taken into account
Respondents feel that the values and presence of the staff have a significant impact on the realization of equality and non-discrimination. Many respondents are satisfied with the current situation regarding equality and non-discrimination, as well as gender-sensitive education. The basic training of staff is considered important, and additional training is desired in anti-racism and multiculturalism. In addition, respondents consider it important that early childhood education addresses cultural, family, and religious diversity by using, for example, books and pictures that highlight diversity.
Communication in daycare centers is effective
According to guardians, communication in early childhood education works well. 94 percent of respondents are satisfied with the communication of the early childhood education unit, and 87 percent of respondents feel that the staff has time to discuss matters concerning their child when necessary. In addition, 86 percent of respondents are satisfied with the early childhood education plan (VASU) discussions concerning their children.
In the survey, guardians also suggest areas for improvement in the future. Respondents report that a lack of resources creates challenges. To improve communication, guardians mention the need for consistent communication practices and improved information flow.
