Chaperone guidance

1. Introduction and legislation

1.1 About this document

Becoming involved in the entertainment industry can be an exciting experience for children, offering many positive and rewarding opportunities. However, laws exist to safeguard their welfare and ensure they are not exploited.

This document is designed to guide chaperones through the legislation that protects children taking part in performances and related activities, helping to ensure that their experiences remain safe and enjoyable.

1.2 Purpose of this advice document

The licence holder is responsible for ensuring that, throughout the licensed period, the child is supervised by a responsible adult, legally known as a chaperone. This guidance helps chaperones understand their role and legal responsibilities and provides advice on carrying out their duty of care to children involved in performances or activities.

1.3 The law

The legislation covering children in entertainment is as follows:

The government has also produced guidance on the regulations, which you may find helpful to read in conjunction with this document

The legislation applies to:

Any performance for which a charge is made, whether for admission or otherwise
Performances on premises licensed to sell alcohol such as a hotel, a pub or a theatre
Any live broadcast performance, for example a television or radio broadcast, internet streaming
Any performance recorded with a view to its use in a broadcast such as a live stage performance that is recorded for cinema screening, a feature film, a video or sound recording of a performance on a website and
Children taking part in sport or modelling where payment is made to the child or someone else in respect of the child taking part

1.4 Child's performance licence

Every child from birth to statutory school leaving age who takes part in a performance must have a licence or exemption issued by their local authority. The person responsible for producing the performance is required to apply for this licence. It is issued to them subject to the conditions set out in The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, along with any additional conditions imposed by the licensing authority.

1.5 Paid modellings/Sporting activities

Under the regulations, reference to an activity relates to paid modelling or paid sporting activities. A child engaged as a model, or in a sporting activity, for payment, must have a licence. The person responsible for organising, producing or running the activity will make the application for the licence.

1.6 Licence exemption – BOPA (body of persons approval)

Organisations putting on events involving larger numbers of children, such as dance shows, competitions and festivals can apply for a BOPA to the local authority where the event is taking place. The Local Authority can issue a BOPA if the organisation can demonstrate it has robust and well-embedded safeguarding policies and procedures in place. This body of persons approval means the organisation does not have to apply for individual licences for the children taking part. As a chaperone, you should ask to see the organisation’s BOPA Certificate.

1.6 When a chaperone is employed

A child taking part in a performance or licensed activity, or in a rehearsal during the licensing period, must be supervised at all times by a chaperone approved by their local authority, unless they are directly supervised by their parent or legal guardian. This requirement also applies when the child is living away from home during the licence period. Its purpose is to ensure that a clearly identified, suitable adult is always responsible for the child’s welfare. If a grandparent takes a child to a photo‑shoot and remains with them, a chaperone must still be present unless the grandparent has parental responsibility.

It is the licence holder’s responsibility to employ an approved chaperone. Although approved by the local authority, a chaperone—whether paid or unpaid—is employed by the person responsible for the production, and their primary duty is always to the child.

1.7 Role of the chaperone

Many chaperones first become approved by the local authority because their own child is involved in a pantomime, dance show, competition, or amateur dramatic production. However, an approved chaperone may also supervise children working in West End productions, films, television, or modelling assignments. It is therefore essential that chaperones fully understand their role and responsibilities towards the children in their care.

Blackpool Council recognises that taking part in performances and activities can help children develop confidence, self esteem, and personal skills. The Regulations exist to safeguard children and prevent exploitation, including ensuring they do not work excessive hours or experience any negative impact on their wellbeing or education. The chaperone’s role is to ensure these regulations are followed and that the child is protected at all times.

2. Approval process

2.1 Blackpool chaperone approval process

Any adult, who is a resident of Blackpool, may apply to Blackpool Council to become an approved chaperone. A fee of £30 is applicable for all applicants. In addition, professional applicants are required to pay the additional DBS fee.

To be approved as a chaperone, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Enhanced DBS disclosure
Two satisfactory references
Knowledge of the relevant legislation
A good understanding of the chaperone role and responsibility
Attendance at a training session
Completion of the application form
Completion of the online safeguarding children training module

Applications can be submitted online through the Blackpool Council website

Alternatively, you may email the child employment team, who will send you the link to the online application page.

Telephone: 01253 476578
Email: childemployment@blackpool.gov.uk

2.2 Other registration requirements of Blackpool Council

When approved, chaperones are required to adhere to the chaperone code of conduct and must also notify Blackpool Council child employment team, in writing, within seven days of:

Any arrest for an offence that is triable in a court of law
Any conviction following an arrest, whether in the United Kingdom or otherwise
Any serious or notifiable illness or disease
Any change of address or name

2.3 Where to obtain additional information

Further information, including a link to the Act, Regulations and Guidance can be found on our webpage

The National Network for Child Employment & Entertainment (NNCEE) website also contains a wealth of information

If you have any queries in relation to any of your duties or require clarification of any part of the legislation, please contact the child employment team.

3. Responsibilities of a chaperone

3.1 Main duties

a) Your first duty as a chaperone is to the children in your care. You are responsible for safeguarding, supporting, and promoting their wellbeing. You must not engage in any activity that interferes with your duties. Except when the child is with their teacher or parent/guardian, you are in loco parentis and must exercise the level of care that a reasonable parent would provide.

b) Your duties will vary depending on the type of performance or activity. In a theatre, for example, call times and performance times are known in advance and must comply with the Regulations and any licence conditions. Your primary responsibilities are to ensure that, when the child is not performing, they are properly supervised and receive adequate meals, rest, and recreation. This includes supervision between performances on the same day if the child does not return home or to their lodgings.

c) A chaperone may supervise no more than 12 children at any one time, as set out in legislation. However, because each child must be under the direct supervision of a chaperone at all times (unless they are with their parent or legal guardian), a smaller ratio is often necessary.

Factors such as stage runs, the layout of the venue, the age and maturity of the children, or any additional needs may mean that you can only carry out your duties safely and effectively with fewer than 12 children.

Practical considerations may also require additional chaperones — for example, when children are using quick change areas, when dressing rooms are located on different floors or wings of a venue, or when younger children or those with additional needs require closer supervision. The key principle is that every child must be directly supervised by an approved chaperone at all times unless they are with their parent or legal guardian.

d) You should examine the child’s licence and familiarise yourself with its terms, including any additional conditions set by the Licensing Authority. While it is the licence holder’s legal responsibility to ensure that the Regulations and licence conditions are met, the chaperone must challenge the producer if these requirements are not being followed and take steps to protect the child. You must also report any safeguarding concerns or breaches of the licence to the licensing authority.

e) There may be occasions when a producer asks for a child to work beyond the permitted hours. In such cases, the chaperone must be confident and assertive in preventing this and must inform the producer that the performance cannot continue. A clear understanding of the regulations and the conditions of the child’s licence is essential. While the licence holder is legally responsible for ensuring compliance, the chaperone plays a key role in challenging any non compliance and protecting the child. Most disagreements can be resolved amicably, but doing so relies on the chaperone’s knowledge, confidence, and interpersonal skills.

f) Boys and girls aged over 5 must have separate dressing rooms. Where children are split between dressing rooms, at least two chaperones are required, as the Regulations state that a chaperone must always be with the child. This requirement applies in all settings, including theatres, studios, touring venues, and temporary performance spaces.

g) In the event of any breach of the licence conditions, or any incident affecting the well-being of the child you must inform the licensing authority at the earliest opportunity.

3.2 A child living away from home

When a child is living away from home, you are responsible for their welfare for the full duration of the licence, unless the child is in the direct care of their parent or legal guardian. Your responsibilities include ensuring that their lodgings are safe, suitable, and meet all their physical, emotional, and educational needs. You must be satisfied that the accommodation is clean, appropriately supervised, and provides suitable sleeping arrangements, privacy, and access to meals.

Children living away from home often require a higher level of supervision. You may need to provide additional oversight, including monitoring their routines, ensuring they have appropriate activities during their spare time, and supporting them with any anxieties or challenges that may arise from being away from their family. You are also responsible for ensuring the child travels safely between their lodgings and the place of performance, unless they are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

If the child is sharing accommodation with other children, you must ensure that the arrangements are appropriate for their age, gender, and individual needs. Any concerns about the suitability of the lodgings, the behaviour of others in the accommodation, or the child’s wellbeing must be reported to the licensing authority at the earliest opportunity.

3.3 A child appearing in a film

A child appearing in a film may spend long periods at the studio or on location. Throughout this time—except when the child is receiving tuition—they remain in your care. You must accompany the child from their dressing room or schoolroom to the set, remain with them while they are on set, and return them safely to the dressing room or schoolroom afterwards.

You must keep accurate records of the time the child spends on set, including rehearsals and performance, to ensure that permitted working hours under the Regulations are not exceeded. You must also ensure that the child receives the required number of breaks for rest and meals.

It is your responsibility to ensure the child has suitable opportunities for recreation and is protected from stress, fatigue, adverse weather, and any other conditions that may affect their wellbeing. Film sets can involve long waiting periods, noise, heat, cold, or unpredictable schedules, so you must always remain alert to the child’s needs.

3.4 Illness or injury of a child

No child should be allowed to perform when unwell. If a child becomes ill or is injured while in your care, the licence holder must immediately seek appropriate medical assistance and notify the parent and the local authority. A doctor should be called if required.

You must remain alert to signs of stress, fatigue, or distress. If a child is unwell or under excessive pressure, you have a duty to withdraw them from the performance. The child’s welfare always takes priority over the needs of the production.

If a child becomes ill while on tour and is too unwell to continue performing, you must ensure arrangements are made for the child to return home under proper escort.

You must keep a written record of any illness or injury and any action taken. A form is provided at the back of this guidance for this purpose.

3.5 Health and safety

Use this quick checklist when you arrive at any venue, studio, or location:

Fire and emergency procedures

Identify all fire exits and ensure they are unobstructed
Confirm what the fire alarm sounds like
Know the assembly point and evacuation route
Check whether any children have mobility or sensory needs that affect evacuation

First aid and medical

Locate first aid kits and first aid rooms
Identify the trained first aider on site
Check whether any children have medical conditions, allergies, or medication requirements

Venue layout and access

Walk the route between dressing rooms, toilets, schoolroom, and performance area
Identify any hazards (e.g., cables, steps, low lighting, slippery floors)
Check whether the public can access backstage areas and ensure children are supervised accordingly

Facilities and environment

Ensure toilets and changing rooms are clean, safe, and gender appropriate
Check ventilation, heating, and temperature—especially in small or crowded rooms
Confirm there is a safe, supervised area for breaks, meals, and recreation

Performance and rehearsal areas

Assess the set for trip hazards, sharp edges, moving scenery, or pyrotechnics
Ensure children are briefed on any risks (e.g., blackout scenes, loud noises)
Confirm safe routes on and off stage or set

General safeguarding

Ensure children are never left alone or unsupervised
Monitor who is entering backstage areas
Report any safety concerns immediately to the licence holder or venue management

Outdoors – consider the following:

Protection from extreme weather, i.e. sunscreen, waterproof clothing
Movement of vehicles
Rivers, cliffs and other natural features that pose potential risks

3.6 Specific hazards

Below is a list of known hazards associated with theatrical and film performances. The list is not exhaustive but covers some of the more common areas that may give cause for concern.

Fire procedures (eg alarm bell, fire drill etc)
Safe place to stand in wings or off the set
Movement of scenery
Movement of any machinery
Periods of temporary darkness (eg scene change)
Falls from a height
Smoke effects and dry ice
Noise
Pyrotechnics
Trapdoors
Animals
Electrical cables
Very bright lighting

3.7 Safeguarding policies

Familiarise yourself with your employer’s child protection policy, including how to recognise and report concerns
Read and understand the organisation’s behaviour policy, including expected standards of conduct for adults and children
Follow the organisation’s social media and photography policy, including rules on taking images, sharing content, and online communication
Ensure you understand who the designated safeguarding lead is and how to contact them
Always maintain professional boundaries and ensure children are never placed at risk
Report any safeguarding concern immediately, no matter how minor it may seem

3.8 Be prepared

a) Use the venue checklist located at the back of this guidance.
b) Take your chaperone approval certificate with you whenever you are carrying out your chaperone duties. You must be able to produce this in the event of a local authority inspection. Don’t rely on a digital copy – you must have a physical copy available.
c) Ensure you have a list of the names of the children in your care, along with their home and emergency contact details. These must be easily accessible. Do not rely solely on a digital or online copy – you must have a paper copy available in case of internet or device failure.
d) Always ask to see the licences of children you are chaperoning upon arrival at the place of performance, if you have not already received a copy. A child must not perform without a licence unless an exemption has been issued by the local authority. If an exemption (BOPA) has been issued, ask the organisation for a copy. Familiarise yourself with the terms and any additional conditions on the licence and ensure they are being followed.
e) Check with the licence holder whether any of the children have any medical or additional needs you should be aware of.
f) Ensure adequate arrangements have been made for meals and refreshments and that the child has suitable clothing for bad weather.
g) The licence holder is responsible for arranging another chaperone or the child’s parent to supervise the child if you require a break.
h) Acquaint yourself with the venue and check the suitability of toilet and washing facilities, rest and recreation areas, and dressing rooms. Children aged 5 yrs and over must only dress with other children of the same sex.
i) Keep a record of duration and timings of rehearsals, performances and activities, time spent at the venue, breaks, meals, tuition, waiting periods, overnight breaks and any incident relating to the child’s welfare. If you are unhappy with any arrangements or facilities, you must raise your concerns with the licence holder or the local authority.
j) The licence holder must maintain accurate records of the children employed and often delegates completion of the daily record sheet to the chaperone. A copy of a daily record sheet is included at the back of this guidance. Inspecting local authorities will expect to see that these records are being completed in real time.

3.9 Dos and dont's for chaperones

Dos

Check the child is comfortable – you are the person to whom the child looks to for guidance, protection, clarification and support
Stand up for the child about production pressures – 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 the child’s health, well-being and/or education
Be the child’s champion
Report any concerns and know who to report them to and know what to do in each case - chaperones should keep a note of important contacts, for example, the child's licensing authority, the local authority in whose area the child is performing, the child's agent and the child's parent/legal guardian
Ask to see a copy of the licence (where a licence is required)
Exercise discretion where that is in the best interest of the child
Be alert to all possible risks to the child
Challenge people and/or behaviours

Dont's

Let the child perform if they are unwell
Leave the child alone with another adult – unless it’s their parent or teacher
Take photos of the child
Seek autographs from performers or get ‘star-struck’
Ignore or downplay questionable behaviour from adults or other children
Allow the child to be pushed into things that they don’t want to do
Use inappropriate language or smoke whilst on duty
Consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol whilst on duty
Wear inappropriate clothing

4. Other information

4.1 Chaperone discretion

A chaperone's priority is always the child’s best interest and wellbeing. In certain exceptio circumstances a chaperone has discretion to allow a child to take part in a performance for a period not exceeding one hour immediately following the latest time permitted at the place of performance (which is 11.00pm for children over 5 and 10.00pm for children under 5) provided that:

a) the number of hours during which the child takes part in the performance including the period not exceeding one hour, does not exceed the maximum number of hours permitted;
b) it appears to the chaperone that the welfare of the child will not be prejudiced; and
c) it appears to the chaperone that the conditions requiring the child to take part in a performance after the latest specified time arose in circumstances outside the control of the licence holder.

The licence holder must ensure that when the chaperone exercises this discretion the chaperone informs the licensing authority and the local authority where the performance is taking place, no later than the following day and that he or she explains the reason for exercising his/her discretion.

4.2 Local authority inspections

The local authority will make regular inspections, without prior notice, to places of entertainment within the authority. The officer should make his or herself known to the chaperone(s) and licence holder on arrival and will have proper identity. The inspecting officer will ask the licence holder to produce the children’s licences and ask chaperones to produce their approval certificates. They will see the children, inspect the venue and speak with the chaperones about the arrangements for the children throughout the licence period. The officer will also examine the daily record sheets to ensure they are being completed.

4.3 Allegations against a chaperone

If an allegation is made against a chaperone, the information will be passed to the LADO (local authority designated officer) who will follow Blackpool Council’s allegation procedures.

5. Child protection

5.1 Types of abuse

Everyone working with children, or with adults responsible for children, must be able to recognise indicators that a child’s welfare or safety may be at risk and know how to act on concerns.
Abuse or harm may be caused by:

Parents
Adults with parental responsibility
Adults in a position of trust or temporarily entrusted with the child’s care
People known to the family or wider community
Strangers
Other children

The following definitions are provided to assist chaperones and professionals in recognising potential abuse.

Physical abuse

May involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm. Physical harm may also occur when a parent or carer fabricates or induces illness in a child.

Emotional abuse

The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child that causes severe and long lasting effects on emotional development. It may include:

Conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved or inadequate
Silencing or mocking a child’s communication
Interactions beyond the child’s developmental capability
Overprotection or restriction of normal social interaction
Witnessing the ill treatment of others
Serious bullying (including cyberbullying) Emotional abuse is present in all forms of abuse, though it may also occur alone

Sexual abuse

Involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child understands what is happening.

Activities may include:

Physical contact (penetrative or non penetrative)
Non contact activities such as viewing or producing sexual images
Encouraging sexually inappropriate behaviour
Grooming, including online Sexual abuse can be perpetrated by adults or other children, and by males or females

Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs.

This may include:

Inadequate food, clothing or shelter
Failure to protect from physical harm or danger
Lack of supervision
Failure to access medical care
Unresponsiveness to emotional needs

Bullying (including cyberbullying)

Behaviour that hurts another person physically or emotionally, such as name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone. Cyberbullying can occur at any time and may feel inescapable.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

A form of sexual abuse where children are exploited in exchange for money, gifts, accommodation, drugs, alcohol or status.

It may involve:

Sexual activities in exchange for something
Online exploitation, including being persuaded to share sexual images
Grooming under the guise of a “relationship” children in entertainment may be targeted with false promises of work or opportunities

Abuse of trust

A relationship of trust exists where an adult has power or influence over a child due to their role. This relationship must never be used to form or encourage a sexual relationship. Any such relationship is intrinsically unequal and unacceptable. If a genuine relationship develops, the position of trust must end before any personal relationship begins.

5.2 What to do if suspected or alleged child abuse

The following procedures must be followed in every case of actual, suspected or alleged abuse that comes to the attention of a chaperone.

a) Medical emergency with suspicion of abuse

A child requiring urgent medical attention must be taken to the nearest accident and emergency department
Where possible, the child should be accompanied by a parent or carer
If a parent or carer refuses necessary medical treatment, contact the police immediately
The escort must remain with the child until their safety is assured
The chaperone must inform social care and the child employment officer immediately

b) Suspicion of abuse without medical emergency

If a chaperone has knowledge or suspicion of abuse from any source, they must contact social care without delay. Social care will determine whether further investigation is required and will manage parental contact.

c) Disclosure of abuse

If a child discloses abuse:

Listen calmly, sympathetically and without judgement
Do not ask leading questions
Reassure the child that they are believed and have done the right thing
Explain that you cannot keep the information secret and must tell people who can help
Do not make promises you cannot keep
Make a written record as soon as possible, including: – time and date – setting – who was present – what was said, in the child’s own words
Report the matter immediately to the organisation’s child protection officer, who will refer to children’s social care.

Contact details – Blackpool social care duty team
01253 477299 or 01253 477477

When making a referral, provide as much of the following as possible:

Child’s name, date of birth, gender, ethnic origin, address and phone number
Reason for concern
Injuries or indicators observed
Child’s first language
Details of any disabilities or additional needs
Known family members
Other professionals involved
GP details

Social care will make enquiries with relevant agencies and decide what further action is required.

If a parent, student or other adult discloses that they have harmed a child or been involved in abuse, the chaperone must contact social care immediately.

Written report

A written report must be forwarded to the child employment team Leader within 48 hours. Telephone: 01253 476478

Chaperones should under no circumstances hand any child over to, or allow a child to be examined by, any other person. The only exceptions are where prior approval has been given by the child’s parent or carer, or in a medical emergency. In such emergencies, this may only occur under the supervision of a doctor, a uniformed police officer, or another suitable professional where parental consent cannot be obtained.

Cildren in entertainment restrictions in relation to all performance

Details of restrictions in place
Topic	Age 0 to 4	Age 5 to 8	Age 9 and over
Maximum number of hours at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg.22)	5 hours	8 hours	9.5 hours
Earliest and latest permitted times at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg.21)	7.00am to 10.00pm	7.00am to 11.00pm	7.00am to 11.00pm
Maximum period of continuous performance or rehearsal (Reg.22)	30 minutes	2.5 hours	2.5 hours
Maximum total hours of performance or rehearsal (Reg.22)	2 hours	3 hours	5 hours
Minimum intervals for meals and rest (Reg.23)	Any breaks must be for a minimum of 15 minutes. If at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours, breaks must include at least one 45-minute meal break.	If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes. If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes.	If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes. If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes.
Education (Reg.13)	N/A	3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less.	3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less.
Minimum break between performances (Reg.23)	1 hour 30 minutes	1 hour 30 minutes	1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum consecutive days to take part in performance or rehearsal (Reg.26)	6 days	6 days	6 days

Note: Regulation 5 allows the licensing authority to further restrict these permitted hours, breaks etc. and place additional conditions on the licence if this would be in the best interests of the individual child. Any such restrictions will be shown on the child’s licence.

Useful contacts

Please find below some useful telephone numbers together with space for you to add your own contact numbers.

Contact details
Organisation	Telephone
Blackpool child employment officer	01253 476478
Blackpool pupil welfare manager	01253 476478
Police	101
Blackpool social care duty team	01253 477399
Blackpool Council customer first	01253 477466