Child Performance Licensing and Chaperones

Chaperone licensing is regulated under the Children and Young Persons Acts 1933 and 1963, and the Children (Performances and Activities) (Wales) Regulations 2015.

It is a legal requirement that children involved in public performances - such as work in television, film, paid modelling, or sporting activities - must be supervised by an approved chaperone, unless they are in the care of a parent, legal guardian, or, in certain circumstances, a teacher.

Role and responsibilities of a chaperone

A chaperone’s primary duty is to the child in their care. Their responsibilities include safeguarding, supporting, and promoting the child’s wellbeing throughout the performance or activity. Chaperones must not take on any duties that would distract them from this role.

Key responsibilities include:

Remaining with the child at all times
Keeping the child in sight when they are on stage, set, or performing
Ensuring children are properly supervised when not performing
Making sure children have suitable meals, rest, and recreation
Ensuring appropriate changing facilities are provided by the company or venue, including separate changing rooms for boys and girls aged over five

Supervision ratios

A chaperone may be responsible for supervising up to 12 children. However, this may need to be reduced depending on:

The nature of the performance or activity
The age, gender, or specific needs of the children involved

This ensures that all children are safeguarded appropriately.

How to apply for a chaperone licence

To register as a chaperone, you will need to apply to the Local Authority where you live.

In Pembrokeshire, it is necessary for prospective chaperones to:

Complete a chaperone application form available from educationwelfareservice@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Attend a chaperone training session - to be arranged once application form is received by the education welfare service
Provide a digital photo selfie - this can be obtained during the chaperone training session
Complete an Enhanced Disclosure Check (DBS) - an email will be sent to you with a link to your DBS Application Form once the chaperone training session has been attended.

For applicants who are applying to become a ‘professional chaperone’ there is an Enhanced Disclosure fee. For confirmation of the value of the fee please contact Education Welfare Service- educationwelfareservice@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Alternatively, if you have subscribed to the DBS Update Service, give consent for a status check to be undertaken.

Undertake the Pembrokeshire County Council mandatory online safeguarding module. An email containing the link for this training will be sent to you once the chaperone training session has been attended.

Please note: On completion of the online safeguarding module, you will be required to send a copy of your course certificate to educationwelfareservice@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

How long is a chaperone licence valid for?

Your chaperone licence will be valid for up to 3 years or in line with the expiry date of your enhanced DBS, whichever is earlier.

This licence will be recognised by all other Local Authorities, therefore enabling you to work as a chaperone anywhere in the country.

Regulations and guidance documents

Information can also be found on the following website:

The National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (opens in a new tab)

Application form and further information

If you would like to apply to become a registered chaperone with the Local Authority or require further information, please contact the Pembrokeshire Education Welfare Service:

Email: educationwelfareservice@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Telephone 01437 764551

School Attendance and Pupil Welfare