Jamie Oliver reveals he uses spy app to keep tabs on his children

TV chef Jamie Oliver has revealed that he uses a spy phone app to keep track of his two eldest daughters.

The dad-of-five explained that he had signed up to the app alongside daughter's Poppy Honey, 16, Daisy Boo, 15, and wife Jools.

Detailing more about the way the family uses the software, the 43-year-old revealed that it isn't as sinister as it sounds and actually helps them to stay in touch. Speaking to Woman magazine he said: 'We used an app to keep track of our kids’ whereabouts.

'The older girls, Jools and I are all on an app called Life360, which means we can see exactly where everybody is and the route they’ve gone.'

He added:'So if one of the girls says, ‘I’m going to Camden Town’ and I can see they’ve gone to Reading, then was have a problem.

'They can check on me, too, and see how fast I’m driving. It’s brilliant.'

Launched in 2008, Life 360 is described as a 'family locator, messaging tool and communication app all in one.'

The free app has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on iTunes, and has a wealth of positive reviews.

One user wrote: 'My family all use this App to keep an eye on each other without having to phone or text to check. At first a couple of them found it a bit intrusive and deleted themselves, until they realised the benefits.'

While another added: 'I love it. My husband works shifts and come home via the m1. If I wake up and he is late home, instead of worrying about accidents I can check the app and see he is moving on the motorway and just left work late. It also tells me when he is almost home so I can make a cuppa. I have a 15 year old and the app tells me when he leaves school so I know he is safe and when I can put his dinner on It's not stalkerish at all and stops me worrying.'

Jamie also has three younger children - nine-year-old Petal Blossom, eight-year-old Buddy Bear, and two-year-old and River Rocket - though it's not clear whether they will add the app to their phones once they reach a certain age.

Last month, the TV chef sparked another debate over his parenting techniques, confessing that his busy work schedule means he's a 'weekend parent'.

He told Good Housekeeping: 'I will get to the key school events but I’m flat out Monday to Friday and normally see the children a couple of nights during the week.

‘I’m happy with that, I think they are fine with it.’

Would you use an app like Life360? Or do you keep keep tabs on your family in another way? Join the conversation on our Facebook page!