Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Ritson
Hi Lara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with Peaceful Learning – Gentle Nannies began in 2015 when I first envisioned a nanny agency that prioritized high-quality, respectful, and gentle caregivers. I also wanted to create a space where parents could receive guidance and support on their parenting journey. The idea first took shape while I was living in New Zealand, but with limited demand there and my career in teaching and nannying pulling me in different directions, Peaceful Learning remained on the back burner.
Then, in 2017, after a career change and a move to London, it became clear just how much this approach was needed. As a nanny and teacher using RIE® principles and Magda Gerber’s Educaring® Approach—introduced to me as a student teacher at The Learning Centre in New Zealand—I experienced firsthand the challenge of finding the right family through traditional nanny agencies. I also met many families and nannies searching for respectful childcare, people who truly understood positive guidance, child-led learning, and the power of role-modeling. So, I thought—why not create an agency that bridges this gap? (Turns out, it was quite a rollercoaster!)
And here we are. Our mission is to connect families with the right nannies and offer the support they need on their parenting journey. No matter where you are in the world, we’re committed to helping you find the best fit for your family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In any service-based business, human interactions come with their fair share of unpredictability. Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize the signs of truly genuine, respectful, and gentle caregivers and families. I’ve also honed the skill of asking the right questions—the ones that uncover what we really need to know. It’s been a fascinating rollercoaster, filled with a spectrum of emotions, but never a dull moment. Even after eight years, I’m still learning, growing, and encountering new experiences.
COVID was a challenging time, to say the least. As a childcare provider, we faced a period of complete uncertainty—families weren’t sure how childcare would fit into their new reality, and for two months, everything went silent. I started to wonder if this was the end of Peaceful Learning. I watched as other agencies closed their doors, one after another. But then, we got a call. A new family. Then another. And another. Suddenly—boom—we were back! The following year, demand soared so much that we had to introduce a waiting list.
This journey has had its ups and downs, but one thing remains constant—my team’s unwavering commitment to supporting families and connecting them with caregivers who genuinely align with their values. They are incredible individuals who wholeheartedly care about ensuring that everyone is happy and well-supported.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At our nanny agency, we take a holistic approach to childcare, nurturing not just physical and mental development, but also emotional well-being. Moving away from traditional authoritarian methods, our nannies prioritize building trust and respect first, guiding children through life with empathy and understanding. Known for their gentle, patient, and genuinely caring nature, they provide clear and consistent boundaries that support children’s growth.
I believe we are the only agency in the world that specifically screens nannies for their gentle, respectful caregiving practices. This is possible because everyone on our team has firsthand experience in this approach. Without this background, a recruiter wouldn’t fully know what to look for.
In today’s digital age, it’s easy for candidates to use AI to craft the perfect response on a form. But when it comes to in-person interviews, it takes an experienced recruiter—someone who has been in the field and understands the nuances—to distinguish a truly aligned nanny from one simply saying the right things.
For instance, when we ask a candidate how they would handle a situation where a three-year-old keeps pouring water on the floor after being told it’s not okay, their response provides deep insight into how well they align with Peaceful Learning’s ethos of gentle, respectful childcare.
We also recognize how global our lives have become, and how many families find themselves moving between states or across countries for work. That’s why we offer nannies who are not only highly skilled but also willing to travel with your family. Whether you’re going to Australia, Europe, Africa or beyond for work, or need a trained educator to support your children while they’re out of school, we’ve got you covered. With both local and international nannies available, we provide flexible childcare solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
My journey into this business was shaped by my experiences as a teacher and nanny across New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and the US. I was fortunate to begin my teaching career at one of the few preschools in Auckland, New Zealand, that practiced RIE® (www.rie.org). Through this hands-on experience, I discovered how powerful and fulfilling a relationship with a child can be when it’s built on mutual respect and trust.
After moving to London to further my teaching career, I quickly realized how ill-suited the system was for this approach, which left me feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. So, I returned to nannying and ventured into the world of global nannying, traveling to Russia, Spain, Germany, America, and Australia. During this time, I joined countless nanny agencies, but none truly considered how I worked with children. They focused on my qualifications and years of experience, which are important, of course, but I soon realized that qualifications alone don’t define a great nanny. After working alongside some of the world’s most renowned nannies, including Norland nannies, I learned that the true difference lies in how you interact with children—how you build trust, foster communication, and guide them through life.
This agency was born from a need I had myself as a nanny. I would have loved to have had an agency like this supporting me during my own journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gentlenannies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacefullearning/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peaceful-learning-limited/
