Find out how to become a chaperone for children taking part in performances.
To apply, you must:
- live in Central Bedfordshire – check which council area you live in on GOV.UK
- give us the name, address, email address and telephone number of 2 referees
- give us your electronic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) number, if you have one
What a chaperone does
A chaperone takes responsibility for a child while they are:
- modelling
- performing on stage
- taking part in a film, radio or television production
You must protect the child's health, wellbeing and safety. You should provide the same level of care and supervision that a responsible parent would provide.
We can only approve you as a chaperone if we are satisfied that you can properly care for and supervise a child.
Chaperone guidance and regulations
The Children and Young Persons Acts 1933 and 1963 and the Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014 set out the rules for chaperoning children who take part in performances, modelling or sport.
You can find more information from:
- National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment
- NSPCC guidance on safeguarding children at performances and events
Who can apply
You must be aged 18 or over.
A chaperone should:
- enjoy working with children
- be patient
- be able to keep children occupied while they wait
- be able to deal with difficult situations
Your responsibilities as a chaperone
Your main responsibility is the child's health, safety and wellbeing.
You must:
- get to know the child and understand their individual needs
- supervise the child at all times, except when they are with their parent or tutor, performing or taking part in filming
- supervise the child on set, in dressing rooms and during recreation, meals and breaks
- not take on other duties that could prevent you from supervising the child
- contact the appropriate first aider or on-site doctor if the child becomes ill
- contact the child's parent or guardian when necessary
- understand the relevant health and safety requirements and read any available risk assessments
- raise any health, safety or welfare concerns
- act as an intermediary between the child and the production company
- challenge the production company if facilities or arrangements are not suitable
- follow the rules even if the production company asks you to relax them
- provide suitable activities during breaks and between performances or rehearsals
- never allow an older child to supervise a younger child
- make sure the child receives suitable meals on and off set
If the child needs overnight accommodation, you must:
- stay at the same address as the child
- stay in an adjoining room where possible
- make sure the accommodation is clean and has enough space and suitable toilet facilities
Keep records
You must keep a record of:
- the child's performance licence
- where the performance takes place
- the dates and times of performances and rehearsals
- break and meal times
- how long the child waits between performances
- when the child attends school or receives tuition
Before a rehearsal or performance begins, make sure the producer or agent has received the child's performance licence.
You must understand the licensing regulations, follow them at all times and know where to get advice.
How many children you can supervise
You can supervise up to 12 children at a time.
However, supervising 12 children may not be appropriate, particularly if the children are different ages or have different needs.
Education during a performance
Children must attend school full time during term time or receive suitable tuition.
You must make sure this happens and keep records of the child's school attendance or tuition.
Apply for a chaperone licence
Before you apply, you must:
- complete the NSPCC chaperone training – the training costs £25
- give us details of 2 referees who can provide references
- complete an enhanced DBS check online and provide the required documents
- attend an interview
A DBS check can take up to 60 days.
You must renew your chaperone licence every 3 years.
Inspections
We may inspect places where children are performing in Central Bedfordshire.
Our Child Employment and Licensing Officer will introduce themselves to the chaperone and show identification when they arrive.
If the performance takes place in another council area, that council's licensing officers may inspect it.
You must carry your chaperone certificate and identification lanyard whenever you work as a chaperone.