Chaperones
The role of an approved chaperone is to safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of a child as well as to have care and control of that child.
They are the key person who protects safeguards and supports a child under the licensing system.
Chaperones are required for licensed and other approved events unless the child is under the care of their parent or the teacher who would ordinarily provide the child’s education.
As an approved chaperone, the council expects that such adults safeguard children, to prevent and report any neglect or abuse as well as to raise concerns about the safety or welfare of the child and to act where they can.
To apply for an approval you must allow at least 12 weeks for the application process to be completed.
Chaperone responsibilities
All children taking part in a licensed performance must be supervised by a registered chaperone or their parent/guardian.
A chaperone can look after up to 12 children at one time and should give the same care a parent would give.
They are responsible for:
- ensuring the child has enough breaks and meals
- taking action if the child is ill, upset or tired
- considering health and safety issues
- safeguarding issues
- adhering to legislation relating to child performance
- assisting costume changes, dressing and fitting microphones
- escorting children at all times, including to the toilet
How to apply
To become a registered chaperone to children in entertainment you will need to complete an online chaperone licence application.
Once you have submitted your application and have received a reference number, please email childemployment@havering.gov.uk (with your reference number as the subject title), with the following documents.
- A copy of your safeguarding course certificate.
- A headshot photograph of yourself for use on the licence.
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.
If you already have a ‘Child workforce’ enhanced DBS, provide a copy of this with your chaperone application and you will not be required to submit a new DBS application.
If you require a DBS, let us know and we'll advise you how to apply: childemployment@havering.gov.uk.
Fees for checks and training
Havering do not charge for the licence itself. You only need to pay fees for the checks and training you need.
If you do not already have an enhanced DBS check, you'll need to pay a fee to do one to an independent company called CareCheck to handle DBS checks.
Professional licence, for paid chaperones
A £59.80 fee that includes a £13.80 administration charge charged by the DBS screening provider we use.
Volunteer Licence
A £13.80 administration fee is charged by the DBS screening provider we use.
The DBS check itself is provided free of charge.
NSPCC safeguarding course
A fee of around £25 to take this course which is mandatory for all Havering chaperones.
If you have recently undertaken safeguarding children training in the last year, attach your course certificate to your application email.
Otherwise, you must complete the NSPCC ‘Protecting Children in Entertainment’ online course.
Chaperone approval and code of conduct
You will be expected to sign a code of conduct when you complete your application.
Your licence
You will receive your licence pending your application, two satisfactory references, a passport sized photo, a successful DBS and completion of the chaperone and safeguarding training.
Renewing your licence
Your licence will run until the expiry of your DBS certificate. Renewal of your licence is subject to you repeating the above procedure.
Apply now
For further information on child chaperone licences please contact childemployment@havering.gov.uk.