A new learning space opens this weekend on Maldon Highstreet, offering emotional wellbeing education and critical early learning skill development for children.

Happy Healthy Minds, founded by friends and former teachers, Tate and Megan, aims to provide children with the opportunity to learn valuable emotional regulation skills and build healthy habits.

The space includes a storybook nook, arts and crafts table, parent seating area, endless toys, a "draw your emotions" station, changing table, and kitchen.

It will offer a mix of set sessions circulating around a number of wellness topics, as well as 'Stay and Play' sessions and a 'Start to School' programme. 

The book nook and play corner. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

Co-founder Tate, a former teacher who's built skills through 11-years of teaching in both the UK and Dubai, told Nub News she hopes the space can help form "the building blocks" of children's emotional development. 

"We saw there was a great need for these skills to be taught to kids, and the benefits of them can be taken forward throughout their lives.

"Through play the children build confidence, and parents really see the effects of that in the rest of their lives."

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Opening the business is both the women's first steps out of a set classroom environment, as they pursue their dreams of becoming early-years education providers themselves.

Family and friends have filled the business with flowers ahead this weekend's opening. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

Other Co-founder Megan, a former teacher of 11 years and trained mental health lead at a school in Bicknacre, says it was her son, Ted, who inspired her to take the next steps in her career to start the business.

She told Nub News: "We were in the car on the way back from his football training and I started modelling talking about nerves and about the fear I had about starting something new.

"He turned round and said to me, 'Mum, sometimes you need to step outside your comfort zone.'

"It was just that moment where I thought 'Gosh I need to do this now', to show to him that yeah, you're right, I do need to do it, even if it makes me feel quite uncomfortable.

Co-founders, Megan [left] and Tate [Right], outside the pre-decorated building on Church Road. (Photo: Happy Healthy Minds Facebook)

"At just nine-years-old, the emotional coaching had really had an impact on him. 

"It showed to me that all I had taught had really worked, and I thought more children should be taught things like that."

The very jazzy branded aprons, and matching tote bag! (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

The new learning space, found on 1a Church Street, is brilliantly decorated - a team effort from the women's partners, family and friends. 

With a slightly more muted colour scheme to the usual nursery, the room felt peaceful - even with 10 eager children crafting and playing.

The busy arts and crafts station. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

Parents are expected to stick around during sessions, as they aim to promote parental engagement with both their children and learning materials.

The space will offer sessions Monday to Saturday in August, while they gauge what times are most popular for parents. 

This weekend, August 10 and 11, Happy Healthy Minds are offering free welcome sessions to parents so they can meet Tate and Megan and see the space. You can learn more on their website, found here.