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Apply for daycare Welcome to Pilke after-school club!
Did you know that first and second graders can participate in safe and instructed after-school activities on weekdays?
Afternoon activities support the school’s core mission and the educational work of the home by balancing the afternoon of young schoolchildren. The activity upholds the child’s right to leisure time, play, guided activities, relaxation, and the care of an instructor.
The aim of afternoon activities is to promote the child’s overall well-being by supporting their ethical growth and encouraging diverse and active participation.
The framework of the activities is formed by shared practices with the school, which guide the child to take responsibility for themselves and to consider others.
The instructors at Pilke’s after-school club are reliable and safe adults. In our clubs, we meet each child with kindness and ensure that every child feels comfortable and cared for.
The activities of our after-school clubs are also guided by values that are important to us: Warm-hearted, Dedicated, Playful, and Ambitious
What is an after-school club, and who is it intended for?
Afternoon activities are primarily intended for pupils in grades 1 and 2, as well as for pupils receiving special support.
Afternoon activities in basic education are based on the Basic Education Act. According to the law, municipalities are responsible for organizing morning and afternoon activities for young schoolchildren.
Municipalities may organize morning and afternoon activities themselves, together with other municipalities, or purchase the service from another public or private service provider, such as Pilke.
Pilke After-School Clubs
Pilke’s after-school activities began in 1998, and we currently have clubs in eight cities.
Our after-school clubs are located at 50 schools in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Porvoo, Hyvinkää, Hämeenlinna, Lappeenranta, and Pori.
The clubs operate every school day from Monday to Friday, 12:00–17:00 in the school’s facilities and nearby areas (in Lappeenranta, 11:30–16:30). Our club activities are supervised, guided, and safe.
After-School Club Fees and Registration
The monthly fee for Pilke’s after-school activities varies by city and the agreed activity hours (until 16:00 or 17:00). The monthly fee is approximately €100–140 per month per child.
Applications for after-school activities for schoolchildren are made according to the city’s instructions, usually between March and April before the start of the next school term.
Club-specific fee and registration information can be found on each after-school club’s own page.
What Parents Appreciate About Our After-School Club Activities
A Safe Afternoon
We create a safe afternoon and a clear daily rhythm for young schoolchildren after lessons. We offer meaningful, screen-free activities with a balanced mix of movement, rest, and social interaction.
We meet each child with kindness and ensure that every child feels comfortable and cared for.
Friendship and a Sense of Community
We make sure that no child is left alone in the club. We support friendships, social and emotional skills in everyday situations, and foster a sense of group spirit.
Community is also strengthened through various celebrations and family events. For example, in November we celebrate the Gentle Twilight Theme Month, at the beginning of the year Pilke’s Heart Month, and in the spring the Pilke Olympics.
Outdoor Play and Free Play
We spend time outdoors every day! We move, play, and enjoy playground games. Time outside supports well-being and provides a refreshing break after lessons.
In our after-school club, children always have time for free play, friends, and their own activities, both indoors and outdoors.
Guided Activities and Hobbies
Our program offers a variety of engaging, guided activities every day: arts and crafts, physical activity clubs, storytime, board games, relaxation, excursions, and nature activities.
We encourage children to try different hobbies, sports, and forms of self-expression. At the same time, children learn new skills, discover their own interests, and families gain more free time in the evenings.
A Balanced Snack
We provide a varied and nutritious snack every day. Together, we practice good table manners and explore new flavors.
Snack time also reflects seasonal celebrations and themes, and recycling is a part of our responsible everyday routines.
Support for Schoolwork and Learning
We provide daily reminders about homework and offer a quiet time for completing it. Instructors help when needed and encourage good study habits.
All clubs also run a creative reading project that inspires children to read and explore the world of stories.
After-school club programme – what do we do at the club?
When planning after-school activities, we emphasize play, creative activities, and positive experiences. We also involve children in planning the content of the afternoon program.
The instructors at our after-school clubs are energetic and inventive, motivating and encouraging adults. An experienced instructor always has activity ideas up their sleeve and the ability to stay calm, even when children’s emotions run high.
Pilke’s after-school club program includes plenty of outdoor time, play, snacks, hobby club sessions, and of course, homework and relaxation after the school day.
For outdoor activities, children should have appropriate clothing and gear. Instructions for sports and other equipment are provided in the club.
Example timetable of the after-school clubs daily programme
12.00
12-13.30
13.30-14.30
14.30-15.00
15-16
16-17
17.00
Check out Pilke after-school clubs around Finland
Find nearest after-school clubObjectives of the after-school activities
Before- and after-school activities are an extension to the educational task of early childhood and pre-primary education. The after-school club activities are guided by the general educational objectives of basic education. Their purpose is to support children’s holistic well-being and health and to lay a foundation for good growth. These objectives are binding to all parties involved in the provision of before- and after-school activities.
- Support for teaching and education work at home and school
- Support for the well-being, emotional life and social development of children
- Support for ethical growth
- Promoting participation, increasing equality and preventing exclusion
Pilke after-school club instructors, or good day makers, ensure that the children’s afternoons are filled with safe activities that encourage participation. We find it important that
- The children feel safe in the presence of trained adults who have the capacity to listen to them, take account of their wishes and console them and give a warm hug whenever required.
- The children enjoy their time at the club and form new friendships. According to our principles, no one is excluded from the activities.
- Over the course of the club year, the children learn to take responsibility for their homework, themselves and their belongings.
- The children learn good manners, such as saying “Thank you”, “You’re welcome” and “I’m sorry”. The children learn to consider other children and adults and to greet everyone.
- The instructors act as participatory examples for the children throughout the after-school activities.
- The children are encouraged to participate in versatile activities and in planning the activities.
- The children learn to say goodbye to the instructors and thank them at the end of the club day.
Second graders enjoy the after-school club too!
The after-school club provides security and enjoyment for second graders as well. Many children around 8 years old still need meaningful activities and a sense of safety during the often long hours spent alone at home in the afternoon.
Second graders are experienced club members, and we plan after-school activities together with them in children’s meetings.
In the club, children enjoy fun moments with both new and familiar friends and instructors. And of course, homework, snacks, and screen-free afternoons are part of every club day.
Applications for the autumn after-school club for second graders take place in the spring, at the same time as applications for school beginners and pupils receiving special support.
Detailed application instructions can be found on the club’s pages and your municipality’s website. It’s also worth inquiring about a club place during the school year.
Pilke afternoon clubs by city
Ask more about Pilke’s after-school activities!
