Chaperone service

A child taking part in a performance, which can include television, filming, theatre, sporting activities or modelling, will require chaperoning. On this page you will find further details about the responsibilities of chaperones and how to become licensed as a chaperone. If you require further information about chaperones please contact the Education Welfare Service.

Chaperones act as the parent and should exercise the care which a good parent might be reasonably expected to give that child.

Application for a Chaperone Licence must be made to the Local Education Authority (LEA) in whose area the prospective chaperone lives. Due to various checks which have to be made, the time between the LEA receiving an application and the issuing of a Chaperone Licence can take a while - please allow for this when making an application.

Responsibilities of a chaperone

• The chaperone’s first duty is to the children in their care. While he or she is engaged as the chaperone, he or she may not undertake any other activity that would interfere with his or her duties. The chaperone acts as the parent, except where the child is being taught by an approved teacher, and should exercise the care, which a good parent might reasonably be expected to give.
• If the child is working in the theatre, the times when he or she should attend and when he should go on stage are known in advance. They must come within what is permitted in the licence.
• If the child has been licensed for filming or a broadcast performance, the chaperone may allow him or her to perform for up to 30 minutes after the latest permitted hour if the following are satisfied:
• the extra time will not cause the child to have been on set or at a location for more than eight hours (if aged 14 or more) or more than seven and a half hours (if aged five to 13) or for more than five hours (if aged under five years)
• that the extra work is needed because of circumstances beyond the licence holder’s control
• it will not be prejudicial to the child in anyway
• The chaperone must be sure that when a child is not performing he or she is properly supervised, has adequate meals and sufficient rest and recreation.
• No child should perform when unwell. If a child falls ill or is injured while in the chaperone’s charge, a doctor should be called and the licence holder should immediately inform the child’s parent and the licensing authority.
• The chaperone should have available a list of telephone numbers or addresses where parents may be contacted in case of emergencies.
• The chaperone should be aware of what first-aid provisions there are at the place of the performance.
• The chaperone should ensure that he or she knows the procedure for evacuating the building in case of fire and escape routes from whatever rooms the child is likely to use.
• During the currency of the licence, the place of performance will be visited by an officer of the local authority. He or she will wish to meet the chaperone. The chaperone should discuss with him or her any difficulties or problems that he or she has.
• If the chaperone is felt to be discharging his or her duties in any unsatisfactory way, the approval of the licensing authority may be withdrawn.
• The chaperone should not hesitate, in case of difficulty, to contact either the officer who visited the place of performance or the Education Welfare Service.

Further information

For further information about chaperones and how to apply to become a chaperone please contact the Education Welfare Service.

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