Chaperones

A chaperone is a person aged over 18 years who is approved under Regulation 15 of The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014 to look after children and young people who take part in television, theatre, film, amateur performances, modelling or sporting activities.

By law, school age children up to and including Year 11 must be accompanied by a registered chaperone when they are taking part in or rehearsing for a public performance if their parent or guardian cannot go with them.

Chaperones act in 'loco parentis' and should exercise the care which a good parent might be reasonably expected to give that child. They must ensure that appropriate provision is made to secure a child’s health, comfort and kind treatment. They have a responsibility to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of the child or children in their care.

A licensing authority must approve a person to be a chaperone to have care and control of the child and to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of the child, whilst the child is taking part in a performance, rehearsal or activity or while the child is living away from their own home during the period to which a licence applies.

Main responsibilities of a chaperone include:

taking action if the child is ill, tired or upset
making sure the child has enough breaks, rest and meals
thinking about health and safety issues on set or stage
being aware of child protection processes

The maximum number of children a chaperone may take care of at one time is 12, or where the chaperone is acting as private teacher 3.

A chaperone must not be prevented from carrying out their duties as chaperone by other duties.

Useful forms and information for chaperones

To register as a chaperone

You must be 18 years old or over to register as a chaperone.

To register as a Professional Chaperone the cost is £70 and to register as a volunteer chaperone there is no charge.

Registration process

Criteria for approval:

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Completed Chaperone Application Form
A good understanding of the role and responsibilities
Satisfactory references
Completion of safeguarding training

For more information visit www.gov.uk/chaperone-child-performers.

Apply to be a chaperone, (online form)

Training to be completed to register as a chaperone

On completion of the chaperone application and DBS certificate check the following training will be assigned.

Volunteer and professional chaperones

NSPCC Protecting Children in Entertainment training

You will be sent information to log in and complete your NSPCC training.

On completion you will be required to send a copy of your certificate to cee@bradford.gov.uk.

Professional chaperones

Bradford Safeguarding Partnership Level 1 Safeguarding Everyone training

You will be sent information to log in and complete your BSP training.