Chaperoning children performing in public

When you need a chaperone

By law, children under 16 and performing in public (like acting, dancing, or singing) must have a parent, carer, or a registered chaperone with them. 

Family members or friends can only look after children performing if they are registered chaperones. Children need a chaperone until they are 16 or have finished compulsory school.

What the law covers

The law covers children working in:

  • television
  • theatre
  • film
  • amateur performance
  • sporting activities 
  • modelling

The local council gives licences to chaperones. Chaperones make sure children:

  • don’t work for too long without breaks
  • get their education when needed
  • are safe and comfortable

One chaperone can look after up to 12 children of the same sex at the same time. They oversee the children except when the child is:

  • rehearsing
  • performing
  • with their parent or carer

It is safest to always use registered chaperones for performances.

When your child needs a performance licence

Your child will also need a child performance licence if:

  • the performance runs longer than three days
  • they perform 4 days or more in 6 months
  • they get paid
  • they miss any school to take part.

About chaperones

Chaperones must be over 18.

Fees

There is a charge to become a chaperone.

A volunteer chaperone licence is £35 (£10 admin plus £25 NSPCC Training). A Professional Chaperone licence is £84.50 (£10 admin, £25 NSPCC Training and £49.50 DBS Fee).

DBS checks

Volunteers get a free DBS check. Professionals pay £49.50 for their DBS check. You cannot use a free DBS check for paid work.

You must apply to your local council to become a chaperone. The process takes 8 to 12 weeks.

The chaperone's duties

A chaperone is a person whom the child goes to for guidance, protection, advice, and support. They must:

  • understand the regulations of the child’s licence and make sure the producer follows them
  • not let a child perform if they are unwell
  • keep a note of contacts. These include theirs and the child’s licensing authorities, the Children’s Services Authority, the child’s agent, and the parent or guardian
  • always ask to see a child’s licence when they arrive.

If the production company cannot prove that a child is licensed, chaperones should contact the child’s Children’s Services Authority urgently. The child should not perform if a licence has not been granted unless the performance is a one-off amateur production of less than three days.

The maximum number of 12 children may be too many if there is a range of different ages. We suggest 8 children as a maximum in most cases.

The application process

You can use your chaperone licence anywhere in the UK, but you apply to your local authority - GOV.UK where you pay your council tax.

The process, including safeguarding and reference checks takes 8 to 12 weeks. We can’t issue a licence any quicker because of the necessary safeguarding checks.

If you live in East Sussex:

  • complete online NSCC training on child entertainment legislation and safeguarding.
  • complete the application form.
  • pay the fee.
  • pass the DBS check*
  • provide two passport-sized photographs

We can refuse a chaperone licence if we are not satisfied that the applicant is suitable.


Chaperone licences last for three years, and then you need to reapply.

DBS checks

We cannot use an existing DBS certificate from your workplace. You will need to get a new one through us, unless you are with the online, DBS Update Service - GOV.UK.

If you are with the online DBS Update Service, you just need to:

  • show us the original DBS certificate you used to register with the update service, and
  • give us permission to carry out an online update service check

Apply to become a registered chaperone

About chaperone licences

Your licence is valid for three years from the date of issue of your DBS certificate. Then you need to reapply. We will not remind you when your licence is due to expire. Make a note for yourself and apply to renew 8 weeks before to be sure it doesn’t lapse.

the licence is not only valid in East Sussex. You can chaperone all over the country.

If you lose your licence, you can apply for a replacement licence which will cost £10. Please email us to request this at the Child employment team

Finding work

We are not a recruitment agency and cannot help you find work. We do not promote or share third party information about the people we licence.

Concerned about a chaperone?

If you have concerns about a chaperone, contact our Child Employment and Entertainment Team.

The local authority has the right to inspect performance venues in their area. We are legally permitted to carry out inspections at any time.