That could soon change, as the Parent Education and Support Network is asking the National Occupational Standards Board to approve a qualifications framework.

As Mary Crowley, the network’s chief executive, said: “We are very nervous of amateurs working with parents. People can and do leave their partners, but your children are with you for life.”

Parenting classes, the best-known form of support, usually begin with group discussions, under a confidentiality agreement, where parents can share experiences over tea and coffee.

Course leaders cover a range of skills and topics such as listening, behaviour management and difficult subjects such as sex and drugs with exercises, role-play and discussion.

Parents can also choose from helplines, home visits, coaches, websites and one-to-one telephone support.