What is a chaperone?

A chaperone, also known as a matron, is someone who is licensed by a local authority to look after children who are working in entertainment. They make certain that the child does not work too many hours without proper breaks, that education is provided in certain circumstances and that the children's safety, comfort and welfare are always taken care of.

A chaperone can supervise a maximum of 12 children at a time, who must all be of the same sex. The chaperone is responsible for the child at all times except when she/he is rehearsing, performing or with a parent or carer.

When is a chaperone needed?

School-age children, up to and including Year 11, who are taking part in or rehearsing for a public performance must by law be accompanied by a registered chaperone, if the child cannot be accompanied by their parents or carer.

These performances include any television, theatre, film or amateur performance as well as sporting activities or modelling.

Children involved in any performance, whether it is a village hall pantomime or a long running broadcast performance, will always need to be accompanied by a registered chaperone. Similarly, if the performance runs longer than three days the child will need a child performance licence

What are the responsibilities of a chaperone?

• A chaperone's first priority is always to the child.
• A chaperone is the key person to whom the child looks to for guidance, protection, clarification and support.
• One of a chaperone's greatest strengths is their ability to negotiate with the production company on site and be able to say no when what is being requested of the child is contrary or detrimental to either the child's health, well-being or education. For example, asking a child to stay at a place of performance over and above the hours or times laid down in either the child's licence or the regulations would not be acceptable.
• At no time should a child perform if unwell.
• Chaperones should keep a note of important contacts, such as their licensing authority, the child's licensing authority, the Children's Services Authority in whose area the child is performing, the child's agent and the child's parent or guardian.
• The maximum number of children chaperones are allowed to have in their care at any one time is 12. But this may be too many if there is a range of different ages. We recommend eight children as a maximum in most cases.
• The child should not perform if a licence has not been granted, unless the performance is a one-off amateur production, of less than three days.
• Chaperones should not presume that a child is licensed. Always ask to see a child's licence when they arrive at a place of performance.
• If the production company cannot prove that a child is licensed chaperones should contact the child's Children's Services Authority urgently.
• Production companies must log certain activities during a performance such as arrival and departure times at the place of the performance.

 

Chaperones, Child minders & Tutors remember that your responsibility is to the children you look after NOT the employer!

Chaperones are included under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 and Children Regulations 1968.

Chaperones are employed to supervise children who are licensed by a Local Authority to take part in performances. 

The person employing the chaperone is the license holder, normally the producer of the entertainment the children are taking part in.

The Local Authority is responsible for ensuring that the chaperone is suitable and can exercise proper care or control of the children including their health, comfort, kind treatment and moral welfare.

People applying to become chaperones must disclose any convictions and are subject to a police check (CRB check).

The law states that "the chaperone is acting in loco parent and should exercise the care which a good parent might reasonably be expected to give that child".  Children often work in an adult environment and the chaperone must take into account the child's age and experience, concentration span, and exposure to adult conversation and expectations. 

The chaperone must be fully aware of health and safety issues and have a basic understanding of emergency first aid treatment.  The chaperone must take action when a child is tired, ill or upset. 

Chaperones must also be aware of bullying and child protection issues