A nanny who was caught on film slapping and shaking two toddlers in her care could be jailed for the attacks.

Kelly Lawrence was employed by two families in Mortlake to look after their children, who are both under the age of three.

When she appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, the 24-year-old, of Stroud Crescent, Putney Vale, admitted five charges of child cruelty dating back to February 12. A sixth charge was dropped.

The abuse included throwing one child to the floor and then kicking him, slapping both youngsters and biting ones face. Neither child required medical attention.

Lawrence, who as a nanny did not need to be registered, had been working for the two families who had decided to enter into a nanny share agreement.

She was left in charge of the children while their parents were at work.

But a police spokesman said the parents became concerned when they spotted marks and bruises on the childrens bodies.

She said that in a bid to catch Lawrence in the act, one of the parents placed a video camera in the lounge of their home and captured the abuse on film.

The footage, taken on February 12, showed Lawrence slapping both children and physically shaking one of the toddlers. She was also seen throwing one of the children on to the floor and kicking him.

The parents, who cannot be named for legal reasons, passed the video to the police.

Sentencing was adjourned to December 21, while reports are prepared.