Chaperone licence

Chaperoning

It is the organisers' responsibility to ensure all children are properly supervised.  

The Child Performance Regulations 2014 state that chaperones need to be at a ratio of 1:12, although best practise is 2:12.  The age and capabilities of the children should be considered when deciding how many chaperones are required.  

Children performing under a child performance licence must be chaperoned by a Local Authority Approved Chaperone or by their own parent. Children who are exempt from licensing (under the four-day rule) or who are performing under a BOPA can be chaperoned by a combination of Local Authority Approved Chaperones and individuals who have had an Enhanced (with child barred list) DBS check completed within the last 3 years (the organiser needs to have seen a DBS certificate as evidence of this). Parents without a chaperone licence or a current DBS check can look after their own children.

The role of the chaperone

A chaperone acts in ‘loco parentis’ for the duration of a licensed activity. They must ensure the child is properly safeguarded by supporting their health, safety and wellbeing.

The priority of a chaperone must always be to the children in their care. A chaperone is the key person to whom a child looks to for guidance, protection, clarification and support.

Chaperones are required to mediate between the child, the licence holder, and the licensing authority to ensure that the child performance regulations and performance licence conditions are upheld. Further information can be found in the Chaperone Information Pack.

Apply to be a Local Authority Approved Chaperone

Chaperone licences are issued by the Local Authority area where you live. The application process can take up to 10 weeks. Once issued, chaperone licences are valid for up to 3 years. To become approved as a chaperone, you must apply via our online form.

As part of this you will need to:

• identify 2 individuals who have known you for at least 2 years who will provide a reference (they must not be relatives)
• undergo (or provide evidence of) an Enhanced, with Child Barred List, DBS check
• attend an online interview via MS Teams
• undertake our online chaperone training: chaperone training and knowledge check

There is no cost if you will be using your chaperone licence on a voluntary basis. If you are being paid to chaperone you will require a professional chaperone licence for which there is a charge of £64 (which includes the cost of the DBS check). 

Concerns raised about the conduct of a chaperone will always be investigated. The licensing authority has the power to revoke a chaperone's approval should they be found to be unsuitable.

Read our chaperone licence privacy notice to find out how we use your application information.