Charne Lehman, who started her career in human resources, now follows her passion for investing in children as the local franchise owner of Nanny n Me, writes 041BABY columnist Odette Parfitt.
She started her career with a qualification in human resources, but Charne Lehman’s heart always lay with investing in children – and now she gets to live that goal every day.
Charne is the local franchise owner for Nanny n Me, a training service dedicated to empowering nannies to take care of babies and toddlers in a way that promotes their development in several ways.
“Over the year of a course, we learn about sensory development, big muscle development, small muscle development, language development, social and emotional development, thinking development and creative play,” explains Charne. “Each topic is covered during a block of six weeks.”
The weekly classes are offered virtually (via Zoom) or in person at the Walmer-based Bunny Tales Playschool, which Charne also runs. “We have a baby class for babies between the ages of 5 and 13 months, and a toddler class for 14 months to 3 years. The average class can accommodate 6 nannies and 6 children. “Both nannies and employers need to be willing to work together as a team, to allow their little ones to grow and flourish.”
It was her passion for children that led her to start this business. “I completed a B. Com degree in Human Resources, but I always had it in my heart to invest in children’s lives. I went on to complete an Honours degree in Psychology, as well as an Honours degree in Special Educational Needs and then was blessed to teach at Cape Recife High School for five years, which was an invaluable learning experience, working with children with special educational needs. I then ran a toddler movement and stimulation programme, Clamber Club, from 2010 until 2017, which awoke my passion for occupational therapy and the role that it can play in each child’s development. In July 2023 I took over the Nanny n Me franchise in Gqeberha, where I run weekly group sessions for nannies and little ones to teach them occupational-therapist-approved activities covering all areas of child development.”
She also teaches the classes herself. “There is nothing greater than watching a nanny realise that they are valuable and can contribute positively through their occupation as well as building a connection and relationship with their employer. Also, watching the little ones grow and flourish makes my job the most rewarding!
I love empowering nannies and guiding them in realising their worth and purpose, while at the same giving working moms peace of mind that their little ones are loved, nurtured and stimulated appropriately at home.”
Charne makes sure the moms are included in the training every step of the way, through a WhatsApp group that posts regular photos and updates from the lessons, and nannies are rewarded every 6 weeks with a certificate of completion for each block.
For more information on the programme, visit their website: www.nannynme.co.za or contact
Charne on 083 282 2520.
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