Chaperones
The role of an approved chaperone is to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of a child as well as to have care and control of that child.
They are the key person who protects safeguards and supports a child under the licensing system.
Chaperones are required for licensed and other approved events unless the child is under the care of their parent or the teacher who would ordinarily provide the child’s education.
As an approved chaperone, the council expects that such adults safeguard children, to prevent and report any neglect or abuse as well as to raise concerns about the safety or welfare of the child and to act where they can.
To apply for an approval you must allow at least 12 weeks for the application process to be completed.
Chaperone licence application
All children taking part in a licensed performance must be supervised by a registered chaperone or their parent/guardian.
A chaperone can look after up to 12 children at one time and should give the same care a parent would give.
They are responsible for:
- ensuring the child has enough breaks and meals
- taking action if the child is ill, upset or tired
- considering health and safety issues
- safeguarding issues
- adhering to legislation relating to child performance
- assisting costume changes, dressing and fitting microphones
- escorting children at all times, including to the toilet.
How to apply
To become a registered chaperone to children in entertainment you will need to complete an online chaperone licence application.
Once you have submitted your application and have received a reference number, please email childemployment@havering.gov.uk (with your reference number as the subject title), with the following documents.
- A copy of your safeguarding course certificate.
- A headshot photograph of yourself (for use on the licence).
- Enhanced DBS - If you are using an existing ‘Child Workforce’ Enhanced DBS, this must be attached to your online application. Please make sure the entire DBS is attached.
If you already have a ‘Child Workforce’ Enhanced DBS you can provide a copy of this with your chaperone application and you will not be required to submit a new DBS application.
If you require a DBS, please let us know and we will advise you how to apply.
Fees
Havering do not charge for the licence itself. These are the only fees that you will be liable for.
- Enhanced DBS Check. These costs now include a new Digital ID verification process. DBS Checks are processed on behalf of Havering by an independent company called CareCheck.
- Professional Licence (for paid Chaperones) - £53.85
- Volunteer Licence - £15.85
- NSPCC Safeguarding Course if you have not recently completed one - £25 approximately
Chaperone/safeguarding training is mandatory for all Havering chaperones.
If you have recently undertaken safeguarding children training in the last year, you can attach your course certificate to your email.
If you have not recently completed safeguarding training, you must complete the NSPCC ‘Protecting Children in Entertainment’ online course.
Chaperone Approval and Code of Conduct
Chaperones will be expected to sign a Code of Conduct when completing their application.
Your licence
You will receive your licence pending your application, two satisfactory references, a passport sized photo, successful DBS and completion of the chaperone / safeguarding training.
Renewing your licence
Your licence will run until the expiry of your DBS. Renewal of your licence is subject to the above procedure being repeated.
Apply now
For further information on child chaperone licences please contact childemployment@havering.gov.uk.