Dr Penelope Leach

In an article of 15 June (“Fathers round on baby guru Leach over sleepovers”), The Independent on Sunday reported on recommendations in Penelope Leach's new book that children of four and under whose parents are separated should not generally have overnight stays with their fathers.

We should have made clear that this is in cases where the father is not the primary carer of the child or where the child is not equally attached to both parents. Dr Leach's view is that it is separation from the child's primary carer - father or mother - which has the potential to impact on their development. Her view is based on research evidence which she describes, and which she calls “clear” evidence, not “undisputed”, as our report stated.