Children in entertainment: chaperoning

Children engaged in public performances or entertainment under a licence are legally required to be supervised by a Local Authority Approved Chaperone, unless they are in the care of either their parent/guardian or agreed tutor.

This includes TV filming, theatre, sport activities or modelling.

A child legally needs to have a chaperone up to age 16, or until they have completed their compulsory education.

A family member or friend cannot look after a child who is performing instead of their parent, unless they are a registered chaperone.

Applying for a chaperone licence

To successfully apply for a chaperone licence, you will need:

to complete the chaperone licence application (or renewal) form below
a DBS check
Safeguarding Children Level 1 training
2 complete references, not from a family member or someone chaperoning in the same production, and you must have known each other for at least 2 years

We've provided more guidance on applying for a DBS and the safeguarding training below.

It is advised that you apply for a chaperone licence at least two months in advance of the first performance, as DBS applications may take up to two months.

Apply for a chaperone licence

Renew a chaperone licence

Applying for DBS

If you don't already have a DBS

Once you have applied for a chaperone licence and we have received your application, you will receive an automated email from westberksdbs.employmentcheck.org.uk. You will then need to complete your part of the application.

Once you have made your DBS application, we will need to arrange a date for you to come into the office with your documents so we can complete the ID check (find out what documents you need for a criminal record check on GOV.UK). The DBS application will only be processed after you have visited the office. The check will take approximately 10 minutes and will be carried out at the office address: West Berkshire Council, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD.

DBS check for volunteer chaperones is provided free of charge by West Berkshire Council.

If you already have a DBS certificate

If you already have an existing DBS certificate, and are on the update service, please provide us with your DBS certificate number and we can complete the relevant checks.

Please note we do not accept DBS certificates other than West Berkshire Council DBS certificates.

If you have a West Berkshire Council DBS certificate

If you have a West Berkshire Council DBS certificate, then you can send that to us. It will then be checked and accepted, and you will then receive an email if any relevant information is required.

Safeguarding training

To get a chaperone licence, you will need Safeguarding Children Level 1 training to successfully complete your application.

All chaperones must attend the necessary training to equip them with an understanding of their duties and responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in their care.

After the application has been sent an processed, we will send a PowerPoint presentation and a word document for you to complete.

After submitting your application, you can expect to receive the licence within approximately 1 to 2 months.

First aid training

While first aid training is not mandatory for the role of a chaperone, it would be beneficial in the event of an accident and is a skill that a chaperone should consider learning.