This is a trial to see how effective this service can be and we need to carry it out in a limited area in order to be able to understand and measure what is successful, and what isn't.

The results of the pilot will be reviewed and then a decision taken as to whether to roll this service out nationally.

If you have a concern about an individual who has contact with your child, even if you are not living in one of these areas, you are not prevented from raising these concerns with the police.

They will decide whether they need to make further enquiries and, in appropriate circumstances, they may give you information regarding that person's convictions.

Safeguarding children procedures underpin all the child protection work the police do, and there are measures in place in all areas to ensure your child is protected from child sexual offenders.

The difference this new service offers is a formal way of raising your concerns and the police and partners will carry out certain checks on the named person with a view to deciding whether parents, carers or guardians should be told about any convictions.