The Finnish Institute in London launched 20 November the' After School' series of education-themed events organised together with the Finnish Embassy by inviting experts from both countries to discuss playful learning.

During the event the audience had the chance to hear about the Finnish early education system from Dr Elina Fonsén and Ms Maija-Liisa Rantanen from the Finnish Early Childhood Education Association. Professor David Whitebread from the University of Cambridge and professor Kristiina Kumpulainen from the University of Helsinki gave presentations on playful learning in Finland and the UK.

Professor Kumpulainen argued that learning and teaching must be thought anew to equip children with the skills needed for life and work in the 21st century. Giving play a substantial role in early education makes children more engaged and motivated to learn. The early education system in Finland is leading the way in helping children learn through play.

According to Professor Whitebread UK has a long history of understanding the importance of play in learning but in the last decades early education has been "schoolified" and therefore become increasingly formal and assessment-oriented.

Find more about playful learning in Finland & the UK from (www.plchelsinki.fi) and (https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/centres/pedal/)