Duties of a chaperone
Your first duty while acting as a chaperone is to the child in your care. You must not undertake any other duty relating to the production, for example technical work, direction or taking part.
You are legally responsible for the child, except when they are in the care of their parent or a teacher responsible for providing their main education. You should exercise that care which a good parent would reasonably expect to give the child.
Legislation sets out the maximum number of hours a child can attend a performance or rehearsal according to their age. If the child is working in a theatre, for example, you must know the times when the child should attend or be on stage. These times must come within what the licence permits.
When the child is not performing, you must ensure they are properly supervised. You must make sure they have adequate meals, rest and recreation.
You must ensure that no child in your care is discriminated against on grounds of:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment and gender identity
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
You should not let any child perform when unwell. If a child falls ill or gets injured when in your care, you should call a doctor. The licence holder should immediately notify the child’s parent and us.
Do not hand any child over or let another person examine them. The only exceptions to this are:
- with prior approval of the child’s parent
- in an emergency
- under the supervision of a doctor, police or other suitable persons
We carry out regular inspections, without prior notice, at venues and locations within Lincolnshire. We will ensure that licence conditions are met and children are protected.
If we believe that you are not performing your duties, we may withdraw your licence.
This position involves considerable contact with children. We will carry out personal checks, including police checks.