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Police have raised concerns about the "contentious" nature of clause 49 of the Children Bill, which concerns the physical punishment of children.

Peter Ditchett, assistant chief constable of Nottinghamshire police, told the conference that guidance was being sought over how to interpret and implement the clause.

Officers are predicting a rise in complaints from children and are looking into what constitutes an "appropriate" smack.

Ditchett said police were concerned about the challenges of dealing with children's complaints, and the issue of "criminalising" parents.

Ditchett also outlined the inclusion in the police national qualifications framework of modules on working with young people.