About Us
Why Nanny 'n Me Began
Meet Lara Schoenfeld - Occupational therapist , founder of Nanny ’n Me & mom of three
In 2010, I was a brand new mom, juggling part-time work as an Occupational Therapist with caring for my first baby, James. We had no family nearby, and James wasn’t going to crèche. So we hired a nanny. She was warm, loving, and he adored her.
But there was always this quiet question in the back of my mind:
“Is he being stimulated enough during the day?”
I would suggest activities like painting, puzzles, playdough. And every evening, I’d come home to find… nothing had happened.
One day, I invited her to sit and paint with us. Within minutes, something unexpected happened - she was more absorbed than my son. Exploring the paint. Completely engaged. So I asked her, “Have you ever painted before?”. “No”, came her reply.
She’d never painted or built a puzzle herself growing up.
And in that moment, everything clicked. It wasn’t about willingness. It was about exposure, confidence, and guidance. How could I expect her to lead play… if no one had ever shown her how?
That week, I invited a few nannies from the neighbourhood into my lounge. What started as a small play group quickly became something more. I realised this couldn’t be a once-off. It needed to be consistent, supported, and practical.
That’s how Nanny ’n Me began.
What we believe
The early years shape the foundation your child builds everything on.
In these first few years, your child’s brain is growing at an incredible pace. Every interaction builds the vital connections that support how they think, feel, and learn. That’s why what happens during the day matters so much.
Our Core Beliefs
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Play is how children learn. Small, repeated, joyful moments actively shape their development.
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Intentional, sensory-, and movement-rich experiences support your child’s brain and body development.
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A nanny is not "just childcare". She is a critical part of your child’s developmental environment.
Moving From Care to Connection
These formative moments don't happen by accident. They need to be understood, guided, and repeated in ways that are simple, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. However, most loving caregivers simply haven't been shown how to do this day to day.
That’s what we guide, week by week.
When a nanny is supported, trained, and inspired, care becomes intentional, responsive, and playful. It shapes not just the day, but your child’s entire future.
The Result? Your child engages. Your nanny grows. And you feel calm, confident, and connected—knowing your child is thriving, even when you're not there.
How we turn everyday care into meaningful development
At Nanny ’n Me, we don’t just give activity ideas.
We teach a way of interacting that supports your child’s development every day.
Our approach is grounded in the science of early development—drawing on neuroscience, play, and attachment.
Because children don’t learn through activities alone.
They learn through connection.
Through being seen, responded to, and engaged with, again and again.
This is how your nanny becomes more than a caregiver. She becomes your child’s first teacher, supporting their growth every day.
Our Method
Our approach is built on our COACH method:
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C – The Cycle of Play (how children learn through repetition and joy)
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O – One-of-a-kind (every child develops differently)
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A – Activities (simple, age-appropriate play)
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C – Cues (following your child’s lead)
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H – Habits (building play into everyday routines)
This is how your nanny becomes more than a caregiver—
she becomes your child’s first teacher, supporting their growth every day.
Head Office
Behind Nanny ’n Me Head Office is a small, passionate team dedicated to developing curriculum, supporting franchisees, and ensuring every session delivers the same high-quality experience.
Helping working moms feel confident their child is thriving. Even when they’re not there.
Our Facilitators and Franchisees
Lara Schoenfeld
Founder and Director
Lara is a mom of three boys and Occupational Therapist, a certified life coach and co founder of Play Sense. With a passion for creativity, a love for little people and nannies , she leads and coaches the team of franchisees worldwide.
Lara Schoenfeld
Founder and Director
Lara is a mom of three boys and Occupational Therapist, a certified life coach and co founder of Play Sense. With a passion for creativity, a love for little people and nannies , she leads and coaches the team of franchisees worldwide.
Wendy Baston
Head of Operations
Wendy is an occupational therapist, wife and mom. She is passionate about what Nanny 'n Me stands for and aims to achieve. She manages our ongoing operations, marketing and provides ongoing support to all franchisees.