A child taking part in a performance can include:
- television
- film and theatre productions
- paid sporting activities
- modelling assignments
Children must be in the care and control of either their legal guardian (usually their parents) or an approved chaperone at all times. Other relatives, including grandparents, uncles, aunts and adult siblings, or childminders and nannies are not permitted to chaperone a child unless they hold a chaperone licence.
Responsibilities of a chaperone
Chaperones are approved by the local authority where they live. It is their responsibility to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of the child while the child is taking part in a performance or regulated rehearsal, or while living away from home in order to perform.
Chaperones must accompany the child at all times, including to and from the dressing room, school room, studio, set or stage and must remain in the studio, on set or by the side of the stage whilst the child is performing. They must remain with the child during meal, rest and recreation breaks. If the child is staying away from home the chaperone must stay with them at the lodgings.
The chaperone plays a major role in making sure the child’s experience is enjoyable and beneficial. They are responsible for:
- making sure the child has enough breaks and meals
- taking action if the child is ill, upset or tired
- considering health and safety issues
- safeguarding issues
A chaperone should not undertake any other duties whilst chaperoning, including involvement with any technical aspects of the production, directing or performing.
Who can apply
Any Bracknell Forest resident over the age of 18 can apply.
How to apply
Follow our guidance on how to apply to be a chaperone.
Licence details
Once the application has been approved the licence is valid for 3 years, however Bracknell Forest Council reserve the right to withdraw approval if there are concerns over the chaperone’s conduct.
The council will hold the person’s details but they are not employed by the council, nor will the council find them work or recommend them to any prospective employer.