Guidance given to protect children from sexual exploitation

Police, teachers, social workers and health workers are advised in the guidance on how best to identify children at risk, protect them and take action against the people intent on exploiting them.

The guidelines come as 39-year-old nursery worker Vanessa George, of Plymouth, Devon, faces charges of making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

Children's minister Delyth Morgan said: "We know there is more to be done to protect vulnerable children. It is not just about removing an individual child from a harmful situation, but taking early and effective action to help prevent children from being put in danger in the first place.

"I urge all agencies to look again at this issue and use this guidance to ensure they are doing everything they can in their local area."

The guidance is an update on Safeguarding Children Involved in Prostitution, which was issued in 2000.

It will now be a statutory duty for all local authorities and will also be issued as a circular to police forces. It is aimed at local safeguarding children board partners, practitioners and other professionals working with children and young people.

In its full response to Lord Laming's review into child protection, the government pledged to revise its statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children by the end of the year, to take account of Laming's recommendations and to strengthen policy and practice.

Revised statutory guidance on the roles and responsibilities of directors of children's services and lead members was also promised this month.