This article draws on findings from research into the implementation by local safeguarding children boards (local government multi‐agency panels responsible for child protection in England) of national guidance on safeguarding children from child sexual exploitation (CSE). Despite there being some excellent examples of practice, a lack of awareness of the issues faced by sexually exploited children or a lack of resources to address them meant that only a quarter were implementing the dual aim of the guidance: protecting children and prosecuting abusers. The research developed a data monitoring tool, its use showing that children experiencing CSE had multiple problems, many already receiving support from a range of service providers for other related problems. This suggests that there might be scope for better early identification and prevention of CSE. The research showed new forms of CSE, including peer‐on‐peer sexual exploitation, raising important questions about engaging with children who were both perpetrators and victims of abuse. Finally, research findings identified methods of disrupting and prosecuting abusers, giving insight into some of the complexities involved in achieving both. In the main, safeguarding children was best facilitated through co‐located multi‐agency teams where child protection and law enforcement practitioners worked together. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘There might be scope for better early identification and prevention of CSE’ Key Practitioner Messages: Local safeguarding children boards have a key responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation and disrupt and prosecute abusers.Sexually exploited children experience a range of different problems, and are often known to service providers who need better training to respond to the abuse.Exploitation is changing, including peer‐on‐peer sexual violence.Protection can be achieved through co‐located multi‐agency teams supported by direct service provision to young people.