Helsinki and Singapore, October 2026 – HEI Schools and its local partner, All Good Things Only Pte. Ltd. (AGTO), are pleased to announce the opening of Lillipods Eastside, the newest Lillipods preschool in Singapore.
The new centre extends the growing local presence of Lillipods following the opening of Lillipods Northstar and Lillipods North View.
Developed by HEI Schools, the Lillipods® concept offers Finnish-inspired early education thoughtfully adapted to needs of local families and educational and cultural settings. In Singapore, it combines playful and hands-on teaching methods with English and Chinese language learning, structured academic foundations and preparation for local primary schools.
“Lillipods® was created to make the strengths of Finnish early education meaningful in each local community,” said Inkeri Aimonen, CEO of HEI Schools and founder of the Lillipods® concept. “The opening of Eastside is an exciting next step in Singapore. It brings together playful learning methods, clear learning goals and a strong understanding of what local children and families need as they prepare for the Singapore school system.”
A warm neighbourhood school with room to grow
Located at 327 Bedok Road, Lillipods Eastside offers a welcoming landed-school environment with bright classrooms, natural wooden furnishings and learning materials placed within children’s reach.
The centre also features generous outdoor areas where children can explore and engage in active movement. These experiences give children opportunities to build physical confidence, cooperate with their peers and learn from the world around them.
The setting reflects the Lillipods® educational values that children learn well when they feel secure, valued and actively involved in their surroundings.
Playful methods and clear learning progress
At Lillipods Eastside, children learn through a combination of teacher-guided play, purposeful activities, exploration and child-led play.
Teachers set clear learning goals while giving children opportunities to ask questions, investigate ideas, make choices and solve problems. A story might lead to conversation, art or dramatic play, while building activities can introduce children to shape, size, balance and early mathematical thinking.
English and Chinese are part of the children’s everyday experience through stories, songs, conversations, routines and learning activities. Reading, writing and numeracy become progressively more structured as children grow.
This balanced approach supports visible progress in important subject areas while also helping children develop confidence, independence, communication and positive learning habits. More focused lessons, classroom routines and written work are introduced gradually to prepare older children for Primary 1 and beyond.
“We want children to enjoy childhood while gaining the skills and routines that help them move confidently into their next stage of education,” Aimonen continued. “Playful learning and school readiness are not opposing goals. With thoughtful teachers and a clear structure, they can strengthen one another.”
Growing through local partnership
The development of Lillipods preschools in Singapore is supported by the partnership between HEI Schools and AGTO. HEI Schools provides the Lillipods® concept, curriculum and pedagogical support, while AGTO contributes its local education experience and understanding of Singaporean families and school expectations.
This collaboration allows each Lillipods centre to retain its Finnish-inspired educational foundation while building a school community rooted in its own neighborhood.
School visits are available by appointment, giving families time to meet the team and explore the learning environment. Families can learn more or arrange a visit through the Lillipods Eastside website.
About Lillipods®
About Lillipods®
Lillipods® is a Finnish-inspired preschool concept developed by HEI Schools. It combines playful, hands-on learning methods with a structured curriculum thoughtfully adapted to local educational needs. The concept focuses on building strong academic foundations, nurturing children's love for learning, and preparing them for a confident transition into their local school system.
About HEI Schools
HEI Schools is a Finland-based education company that develops early education concepts, curricula and teacher development solutions for education partners around the world. Its portfolio includes the internationally consistent HEI Schools® centre model and the locally adapted Lillipods® concept.
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