CHILDREN from all backgrounds in Southend are at risk of being groomed as drug dealers, a new report has revealed.

Ofsted boss Amanda Spielman claimed police, teachers and parents need to be aware of the risk to schoolchildren in Southend as a result of the drug gangs operating in the area.

A report into child exploitation by inspectors from four agencies – including Ofsted and the probation service – looked at how agencies in Southend were tackling the problem.

The report, which looked at Southend, Greenwich and Dorset, estimated that across the country up to 50,000 children are forced to run 1,500 drug supply lines in coastal communities, including Southend.

The report states: “All children are vulnerable to criminal and sexual exploitation, not just specific groups.

“Professionals and parents should not assume that the most vulnerable children are the only vulnerable children.”

Inspectors noted that children were forced to carry drugs in harmful ways including within their own bodies.

She said: “This is a common feature of county lines activity and a clear example of child sexual abuse.”

As well as children from affluent backgrounds, the gangs or individuals also target vulnerable older children, including those who are neglected and less likely to be reported missing by parents, children with special educational needs or poor mental health, and children in care.

The report also highlighted the dangers of children excluded or absent from schools, and recommended that school leaders weigh the risks of grooming or exploitation in such cases.

The report notes that there needs to be a co-ordinated approach to raising awareness with children, parents and the wider community.

Southend Council and Essex Police, already aware of the dangers, launched a high profile campaign to try and combat the use of children as drug dealers.

Supported by the Echo the campaign - see the signs - urged people to be more aware of the problem.

Several parents also spoke out about how their own children were recruited by the unscrupulous gangs.

While problems remain the report did highlight areas where Southend had made progress including examples where early intervention had limited exploitation.

The report stated: “This means children can receive early intervention from the youth offending team to prevent risk escalating.

“Also in Southend, we saw many examples of professionals going the extra mile to keep young people engaged.”

However the report added: “Essex Police’s approach to children detained in custody, who are often vulnerable and have complex needs, is not consistent. Opportunities to provide intervention for children and young people are not consistently being taken at this early opportunity.”