If a child takes part in public performances, works in TV, film, paid modelling or in sporting activities there is a legal requirement for an approved chaperone unless a parent, legal guardian or in some circumstances, a teacher, is present.
A chaperone must remain with the child and have sight of them when they are performing.
The chaperone's main duties are to ensure that the child is properly supervised and has adequate meals, rest and recreation.
Chaperones must also make sure that suitable changing facilities have been provided, with separate changing rooms for boys and girls over five years old.
A chaperone may supervise up to 12 children although a smaller number may be agreed because of the demands of the performance, or the ages, gender or special needs of the children.
Training
Anyone requiring a chaperone licence must complete the NSPCC training course Protecting children in entertainment training for chaperones. The fee for this course can be found on the NSPCC website.
Application process
The chaperone licence is regulated under the Children Young Person Act 1933/63 and the Children (Performances and Activities) (Wales) Regulations 2015.
In Newport the application process requires:
- a completed application form
- one passport-sized photograph
- an interview
- satisfactory recommendations from two referees
- an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS/CRB) certificate
- attendance at child protection training
Download the chaperone approval application form (pdf)
Complete and return the form to [email protected] along with a recent passport sized photograph and two documents from each of the following groups:
Group 1:
One of these should be photographic identification: passport, driving licence, birth certificate, P45 / P60 statement, marriage certificate or any professional registration certificate.
If you are unable to supply an item of photographic evidence, please supply three of the above documents.
Group 2:
A recent utility bill, bank statement, insurance statement, credit card statement or mortgage statement from the last three months.
Once the application has been received we will ask for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) link to be emailed to you and you will be required to register - this can take up to six weeks to process. Please note that a fee of £6 will be payable.
Once the DBS checks and references have been approved we will telephone you to arrange an interview date at the Civic Centre and will confirm this with a letter.
The licence will usually be handed to you after the interview and will last for one year.
You'll be able to renew twice if you contact us to do this before it expires.
After the second renewal you will need to complete the application process again.
Privacy notice - Chaperone licence (pdf)