Chaperone licence

Children who take part in public performances or entertainment under a local authority licence must be supervised by an approved chaperone - unless they are in the care of their parent or an approved tutor.

Chaperones can only be approved and licensed by the local authority in which they live.

Applying for a chaperone licence

To apply for a licence you will need to:

• Complete and submit a Chaperone Licence application form. You will be asked to provide details of two referees to support your application.
• Apply for a DBS check through Trafford Council (administration fee applies). Use your application reference number to link your check to your application. If you already hold a DBS which has been issued in the last three months please have your reference number ready to enter on your application.

Timescales for applying

You should apply at least 8-12 weeks before you need the licence.

Responsibilities of chaperones

A chaperone acts in loco parentis and should exercise the care which a good parent might reasonably be expected to give that child.

The chaperone’s first priority is always to the child and not the production company. A chaperone is responsible for ensuring the health, comfort, kind treatment and moral welfare of the child whilst on production. They are the key person that the child looks to for guidance, protection, clarification and support.

The Chaperone requires the 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 the child’s health, well-being or education.

Chaperones are required to keep details of important contacts with which they may need contact if there are any concerns or issues that they require advice about.

Chaperones are required to keep detailed records of the child’s rehearsal and performance details, health needs and any concerns that are evident. They must ensure that the child gets, and supervises, appropriate breaks for rest and adequate meals.

The chaperone should ensure that the child has suitable opportunities for recreational activities and are protected from stress, strain, bad weather and any other conditions that are likely to harm the child.

The maximum number of children that chaperones are allowed to supervise at any one time is twelve, although in Trafford we advise that there should be two chaperones for this number of children.

Giving a reference for a chaperone licence

You may be asked to provide a reference on behalf of an applicant for a chaperone licence.