Efforts to tackle child sexual exploition and abuse are progressing but they are still "too patchy" according to charity NSPCC.

Jon Brown, a qualified social worker and head of strategy for the NSPCC, made his comments on national child sexual exploitation awareness (CSE) day.

The Metropolitan Police and others have used today to highlight the work they are doing, including jailing 77 perpetrators, but also in training everyone from taxi drivers to pub and hotel staff to identify victims.

Mr Brown said: "Progress is definitely being made but it is patchy."

He said: "It is a national issue and a national problem. That's been reflected in recent cases. The response to that at local authority level continues to be patchy."

Preventing and disrupting sexual abuse and providing therapy for victims were important, he said.

Each council should have a risk register, a child sexual exploitation strategy, and be providing early 'age appropriate' sexual education in schools from the age of 5 on issues like consent, according to Mr Brown.

He added: "Known individuals, families and and communities should know they are being watched and they don't feel as if they are above the law and feel they can get away with it.

"We have heard of some perpetrators say they feel they were above the law and told their victims that nothing will happen, no-one will believe you."

He also welcomed the announcement in today's budget of more money for young poeple's mental health.

Operation Makesafe was launched today by the Metropolitan Police, who are currently investigating allegations on behalf of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, allegations that its officers covered or suppressed investigations into sexual abuse between the 1970s and 2000.

Your Local Guardian:

Following a launch event at Scotland Yard today pub staff, hoteliers and taxi drivers wil be trained to spot the signs of abuse.

It also launched a DVD featuring professionals, including Professor Alexis Jay, author of the independent inquiry into CSE in Rotherham.

What the Met has done: 

Over 250 civil prevention orders served on suspected perpetrators.

Over 900 flags identifying children potentially at risk of CSE and suspected perpetrators have been entered onto the Police National Computer.

Received nearly 1,700 CSE referrals, through which 1,185 children were identified as being at risk of CSE. 

Seventy-seven perpetrators arrested, convicted and sentenced to over 100 years in prison including Jason Winskill, jailed for 15 years for the rape of and sexual activity with a child, and Jahvin Ewen, jailed for five years and four months for raping a child.

Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Child sexual exploitation is a hidden crime and today is an opportunity for us to share our experience and knowledge to raise awareness within a vital group - those who witness all manner of scenarios on a daily basis."

And general manager of the Holiday Inn in Chingford, Francois Mvelle, said: "We are committed to working with the Metropolitan Police Service on Operation Makesafe by raising awareness of child sexual exploitation  to all of our staff; and where suspicions are evident, to report them to police by calling 101."