MORE than 100 childcare professionals joined forces in a bid to tackle child sexual exploitation.

Somerset County Council hosted a "practical conference" last week in a bid to see how authorities could work together to fight the growing problem.

Organised by the Somerset Safeguarding Children Board, representatives from the police, health organisations, schools and local authorities attended the event.

Child sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse.

Children in exploitative situations and relationships receive something such as gifts, money or affection as a result of performing sexual activities or others performing sexual activities on them.

As part of the event, the delegates received information on the services that are in place to help support vulnerable young people and their families, for those at risk of exploitation and those that are being exploited.

Sally Halls, chairman of Somerset Safeguarding Children Board, said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s business and it is only by working together that we can tackle child sexual exploitation and prevent it from happening.

“This event was a great success and brought a large number of school staff together with other agencies.

"This was important because our children and young people spend the majority of their time in school and with their teachers – so they are key in spotting a problem early.”

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for Children and Families, added: “It’s tempting to think child sexual exploitation doesn’t happen in a rural county like Somerset, but sadly it does and can affect any child regardless of background.

“We have been working with partners to raise public awareness of the issue.

"Only by working together can we tackle CSE and support our vulnerable children.”

A “pocket practitioner guide” was also given to everyone who attended.

Developed by the NHS, this will be adopted by all partners to ensure everyone working with children and young people are aware of the signs of CSE and what tools are available to support vulnerable children.