When children need a work chaperone, duties of a chaperone, how to apply to be a chaperone and cost.
Chaperones
All children must be supervised when performing.
This can be done by either:
- a registered chaperone
- their regular school teacher
- by the child's own parent(s)
A chaperone must hold a valid chaperone's licence, issued by the Local Authority in which they live.
Duties of the chaperone
The chaperone's role includes the following:
- safeguarding the child's welfare
- responsibility for the proper care and control of the child, including health, comfort, kind treatment and moral welfare
- supervision of the child when at the place of performance, except while they are in the charge of an approved tutor
- keeping a record of the times the child is on the set, i.e., rehearsals and performances
- ensuring the child has the right breaks for rest and meals. Also ensuring the child is provided with nutritional food and any special diets for whatever reason are adhered to
- making arrangements for the child to be escorted home, or medical attention given, in the event of illness
- in the event of any contravention of the licence, or incident affecting the well-being of the child, the chaperone must inform us at the earliest opportunity
How to apply for chaperone approval
If you live in Bristol, email ceal@bristol.gov.uk or call the Education Welfare Service on 0117 3521438 and ask to leave a message for Paul Harse or Julie Griffin.
Before you are approved as a registered chaperone, a process will be followed to ensure you are suitable for the role.
This full process will include:
- the completion of a chaperone application form, in Bristol we have adopted the Safer Recruitment Process for vetting chaperones.
- an interview, usually conducted via Microsoft Teams, sometimes the interviews may be held face to face
- submitting two satisfactory references, sometimes additional references may be required
- an Enhanced DBS check.
- completing an online Child Protection Course run by the NSPCC
You'll be required to show original documents for the DBS and ‘right to work' check, in person, following their interview.
Following your interview, a time will be arranged for this in person check to take place.
Approval to act as a chaperone will only be granted if we are fully satisfied that an applicant has demonstrated their suitability for the role.
The overall process usually takes between 6 to 12 weeks, from the date of the interview, to complete.
Chaperone application costs
There is a charge to become an approved chaperone. The costs are:
- professional chaperone: £82
- volunteer chaperone: £38
You'll also be required to pay for the relevant Child Protection course.