Children need time. They need meaningful play. They need opportunities to explore, create, imagine, move, connect, and discover the world at their own pace.
Over the last two years, Tanya has brought this philosophy to hundreds of families through Twiggle & Wiggle, her highly popular early years workshops focused on sensory play, storytelling, process art, and hands-on experiences. The response from parents was overwhelming. Beyond the workshops themselves, families were searching for something deeper, a dedicated space that genuinely understood the developmental needs of young children and the realities of modern parenting.
That vision has now evolved into Mulberry Grove, an upcoming play atelier and café for children aged 0 to 6 years and their families.
At first glance, Mulberry Grove may seem like another children's destination. Look closer, however, and its purpose becomes clear. It is neither a preschool nor a conventional play area. It is a thoughtfully designed early years hub where learning through play sits at the heart of every experience.
In today's urban landscape, parents are surrounded by choices. From activity centres and enrichment classes to structured programs and early admissions pathways, the early years space is often crowded, noisy, and overwhelming. Many parents find themselves navigating pressure to enrol early, commit to long-term programs, or follow rigid developmental checklists.
Mulberry Grove offers a refreshing alternative.
There are no admission agendas. No feeder-school aspirations. No pressure-driven pathways.
Instead, the focus remains exactly where it belongs, on the child.
Built on the understanding that play is learning, the space has been designed to support children's cognitive, social, emotional, sensory, and physical development through meaningful experiences. Every corner, material, and invitation has been carefully curated through the lens of child development and Tanya's extensive classroom experience.
Particularly unique is Mulberry Grove's commitment to serving the entire early years spectrum. While many spaces focus on toddlers and preschoolers, Mulberry Grove will also offer specialised programs for babies as young as six months. These experiences have been thoughtfully designed to support sensory exploration, movement, connection, and early developmental milestones during some of the most significant years of growth.
The intention is not to keep children busy, but to create experiences that are developmentally meaningful.
Families can expect sensory play, nature-based explorations, storytelling, movement sessions, process art, dramatic play, flameless cooking experiences, music, dance, and creative workshops, all facilitated by professionals who understand the unique needs of children from birth to six years. Whether a child is attending a movement class, participating in a storytelling session, or engaging in an art experience, every interaction is designed by people trained to work specifically with this age group.
This expertise is one of Mulberry Grove's strongest differentiators.
Rather than offering activities simply because they are popular, the team asks a different question: What purpose does this serve in a young child's development?
The result is a space where experiences are intentional, age-appropriate, and rooted in research-backed early childhood practices.
Equally important is Mulberry Grove's commitment to parents.
The early years can be deeply rewarding, but they can also feel isolating. Many parents find themselves searching for connection, support, and community while navigating some of the most formative years of their child's life.
Mulberry Grove acknowledges that parents need nurturing too.
The integrated café creates a welcoming environment where caregivers can slow down, enjoy a coffee, connect with other families, participate in curated parent-child experiences, or simply observe their children at play. The space encourages presence over pressure and connection over performance.
In many ways, Mulberry Grove is less about activities and more about creating an ecosystem for early childhood.
It is a place where children's curiosity is respected, where parents feel supported, and where play is recognised not as a break from learning, but as learning itself.
For Tanya J Nijhawan, the venture represents the natural culmination of years spent understanding children, families, and the environments that help them flourish. For parents, it offers something increasingly rare: a space that has been built not around trends or transactions, but around the genuine needs of young children.
As Mulberry Grove prepares to open its doors, it promises to bring something fresh to the city's early years landscape, a place where childhood is celebrated, families find community, and learning begins with wonder.
