ALMOST 900 children have been identified as at risk in Southend in the past 18 months, new figures have shown.

The figure is more than three times the combined figure of Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford.

In total, 1,168 of children in the four districts have been classed as at risk.

But Southend Children’s Partnership says it simply means it is providing the necessary support to children in need.

The council-run partnership is required to undertake common assessments for children and young people who are deemed to be at risk and in need of support from social care.

Any child believed to be having problems at home can be referred to the partnership by schools, nurses, GPs or health visitors.

The scheme started in Southend in February last year and since then 898 children have been assessed. Once the children have been assessed, their parents are given extra support and advice.

In the most severe cases, children would be taken into care, but councils could not reveal how often this has happened In Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford, there were 270 assessments carried out by Essex County Council since September last year.

Jane Theadon, head of school support and preventative services at Southend Council, said: “Every professional working with children up to the age of 19 has a responsibility to be aware if a child is presenting factors which suggest they need additional support.

“A child may not be progressing much at school or have difficulties with attendance or making friends.

“It’s about early intervention and prevention. We aim to identify the factors that disadvantage a child and work with them and their family to eradicate the issues so they stand a better chance.”

“It’s a good thing Southend has high numbers because we are getting the children the support they need.”

Jane Arnold, from the children’s partnership, said: “One of our case studies shows a child who received support had a 25 per cent improvement in school attendance and became more settled at home.”