TV nanny investigated over qualifications

Published on Sunday 28 October 2007 01:19

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the qualifications of a controversial TV nanny whose approach to childcare has prompted a furious response from parents and doctors.

Claire Verity, who has worked for Mick Jagger and Claudia Schiffer, stars on Channel 4's Bringing Up Baby and among her recommendations are limiting cuddling to 10 minutes a day and leaving babies outside "to air".

Her comments have infuriated parents and children's charities such as the NSPCC which labelled her suggestions "outdated and potentially harmful".

But now, the broadcaster has revealed a full investigation into Verity's qualifications has been launched after receiving claims that awarding bodies from where she claimed to have obtained diplomas said they did not have any record of her.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health was reported to have said Verity's recommendations babies sleep in a separate room from their parents contradicted Department of Health guidelines on reducing the risk of cot death.

The 42-year-old said she held diplomas in child daycare and pre-school practice from a body called Aset.

However, a spokesman was reported as saying: "There is no trace whatsoever of this lady on our database."

The spokesman added that Aset did not even offer a diploma in pre-school practice.

Verity further alleged she had qualifications in maternity practice, sleep training and paediatrics from Maternity Nurse Training.

Its spokesman also denied this. He was reported as saying: "This person has never enrolled on any of our courses and as such has never been trained by us."

A third group, Goal, from which Verity said she had obtained a diploma in childcare also stated it did not have any records of her and had never offered her a diploma.

Her agent Chloe Cunningham has claimed her client was "highly qualified" but admitted Verity had not taken the post-natal depression or care of multiple baby qualifications Channel 4 had originally said she had.

As a result of the inquiry, the TV station now refers to Verity as a "maternity consultant" and not as a "maternity nurse".

Last night, a spokesman for Channel 4 said: "Claire Verity was recommended by her established and reputable agency, who assured Silver River [the production company] that they personally interview all maternity nurses on their books.

"And in addition, Silver River contacted a number of parents who had supplied references for her to check they were authentic."