Last updated:

5th June 2025

Chaperone Process & Information

What is a chaperone?
A chaperone is a person who is approved under Regulation 15 of The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014 to have care and control of a child and to safeguard, support and promote the well being of the child while he/she is taking part in a performance, rehearsal, activity or living away from home during the period of the licence.  The child must be accompanied by an approved chaperone, by their parent/carer who has parental responsibility for them or the teacher who would ordinarily provide the child’s education.

A child cannot be accompanied by their grandparent/older sibling/aunt/uncle/step-parent (who does not have parental responsibility) without them applying for and obtaining a chaperone licence.

The role of a chaperone is about safeguarding and protecting children in their care.

Responsibilities of a chaperone
Chaperones are responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of the child/children in their care at all times during the period, to which the performance licence relates, except where the child is in the care of their own parent or teacher. 

Chaperones must accompany the child at all times, including to and from the dressing room, studio, set or stage and must remain in the studio, on set or by the side of the stage whilst the child is performing.  They must remain with the child during meals, rest and recreation breaks.  If the child is staying away from home the chaperone must stay with them at their accommodation.

A chaperone is the key person who the child/ren look to for guidance, protection, clarification, and support.

Types of Chaperone

Voluntary Chaperone
This licence allows you to work as a volunteer chaperone. You are not allowed to receive payment in relation to your role as a chaperone. Cost £10.

Professional Chaperone
This licence allows you to work and receive payment as a professional chaperone. Cost £75
 

Application Process
During the application process the Child Employment Officer will require you to:

  • Apply for a disclosure baring service (DBS)
  • Complete and submit our online application form
  • Provide contact details of two referee's
  • Attend our council offices for an identity check, and make payment. Details of payment as follows:
    Volunteer Chaperone: £10.00
    Professional Chaperone: £75.00
  • Complete an e-learning chaperone training module (Full details on how to complete this will be provided on receipt of your fully completed application). 

Who can apply
Any Wokingham Borough resident over the age of 18 can apply

If you wish to become a licenced chaperone with Wokingham Borough Council then please follow the 3 steps below to apply online:

We require a minimum of 8 weeks to process a complete application, so please follow the instructions carefully and ensure you provide all the information required. 

As all chaperones are licenced by the local authority in which they live, please ensure your postcode falls within the Wokingham Borough before applying. Become a licensed chaperone for child performers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
 

STEP 1 - Apply for Disclosure Baring Service (DBS)

Please read these instructions before clicking on the purple box below

  • The organisation reference is WOKINGHAM
  • The organisation code is Wokingham2011 (no space between Wokingham and 2011). Please note that the reference and code are case sensitive.
  • Complete all fields as requested. Please make sure that all previous surnames and middle names are recorded.
  • Please enter the Job Title as Chaperone – Performances
  • Once you have applied for your DBS please make a note of your reference number as you will need this for your online application (see below)

Apply for your Disclosure Baring Service (DBS)

 

STEP 2 - Fill in our online chaperone application form

You will need:

  • Your DBS application reference number
  • A recent photo to upload
  • Contact details of your two chosen referees

Fill in our online chaperone application form
 

STEP 3 - Attend our council offices for an identity check

Once your application has been submitted you will receive an email from Child Employment, within 10 working days, inviting you for an ID check.

You will be required to bring in supporting documents.  Ideal documents to bring are as follows:

  • Valid Passport
  • Valid Driving Licence
  • Proof of Address: this can be Bank Statement or Utility Bill (not more than 3 months old), Mortgage Statement, Council Tax Bill, P60, Pension Statement (not more than 12 months old).

Full details of approved documents can be found here:
Documents you need for a criminal record check - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)