Mrs Toms Tutoring

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Research shows that Finnish children start school at the age of 7, yet they consistently outperform their peers worldwide in literacy, mathematics, and overall well-being.

But here’s what’s striking:
They don’t get ahead by rushing.
They thrive because they aren’t rushed.

Because here’s the truth: in Finland, childhood is still sacred. The early years aren’t filled with flashcards, early readers, and pressure to perform. They’re filled with forest walks, open-ended play, and long, unhurried moments of discovery.

🧠 Decades of research (Sahlberg, 2015; Whitebread, 2012; OECD, 2018) reveal that this slower start protects a child’s developing brain. Early play isn’t wasted time; it’s wiring time. When children build forts, climb trees, and explore mud puddles, they’re also building executive function, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, the very skills that predict lifelong success.

In Finland, teachers don’t “teach to the test.” They teach the child. Recess isn’t a reward. It’s a right. And homework in the early years? Almost none. Because rest and family connection are also seen as part of education.

Why does this matter?
Because too many children today are burning out before they even learn who they are. We push academics before self-awareness, competition over curiosity. We teach them to chase achievement before they’ve learned to love learning.

However, the Finnish model reminds us that a child who plays deeply learns deeply.
A child who feels safe will explore bravely.
And a child allowed to grow at their own pace will often surpass those who were hurried.

So maybe the question isn’t,
“How can we help our kids get ahead?”
Maybe it’s,
“How can we protect their joy long enough for learning to bloom naturally?”

Because childhood isn’t a waiting room for “real life.” It is real life… the most formative, fertile soil for everything that comes next. 🤍

References:
• Sahlberg, P. (2015). Finnish Lessons 2.0: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland?
• OECD (2018). Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators.
• Whitebread, D. (2012). The Importance of Play: A Report on the Value of Children’s Play with a Series of Policy Recommendations.

Feeling in need of some mindful creativity? Develop skills whilst prioritising your well being. Any skill level, any age from 3yrs to 83yrs! I can provide the space, support and encouragement you need. Please contact me via email [email protected]

There are so many fun and different ways of learning even the simplest of concepts...

Looking for a fun, safe and nurturing learning environment for your primary aged child? I can help with any area of learning!

Happy new year! Any parents of primary children struggling to get their child happily back to school? Wishing their child was happier, more confident and motivated to learn this year? I can help. I have 1 spare space in my timetable for a KS2 child on a Monday evening. If your interested please message, email or call.

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A space has become available in my current timetable. Please click on the above link for more information.

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Another year over! It has been an absolute pleasure working with some wonderful families and super children who have given their all and made amazing progress. I am so lucky and privileged to be part of their learning journeys. Thank you so much for the lovely and thoughtful gifts and kind words. I wish everyone a happy and healthy summer and will see lots of you in September. For those I won't see, go forward and smash it like the stars you are!!👏👍❤️

For any parents who have recently decided to home school their child/children and would like some support and alternative provision, I can help. I am opening up day time art sessions to develop creativity and mindfulness for all ages alongside maths and English for primary children. If you are interested and for more information, please get in touch via email, call or text asap. Places are limited.

Another academic year is nearly over! Many of you may be feeling that your child needs a little boost or support to increase their confidence or regain a love of learning. If so I can help. In September I will have some rare available spaces in my tutoring timetable. Please get in touch if you would like more information. Email [email protected]