Chaperoning

How to register as a chaperone, to accompany children taking part in activities.

About chaperoning

A child taking part in a performance in activities including TV filming, theatre, sporting activities or modelling, will require chaperoning. Chaperones act in place of parents and should take care of the child in the same way as a good parent.

When you register, subject to satisfactory clearances, your name will be added to the list of registered chaperones. If you wish to be contacted by producers, agents, and others seeking a chaperone, please answer the appropriate question on the application form.

If you live in Oxfordshire, you must apply online for a chaperone licence.

All chaperones licensed by Oxfordshire County Council must have an enhanced DBS check, child protection training and appropriate guidance. Please read the chaperone guide (PDF format, 200KB) before you apply.

Disclosure and barring service check (DBS)

Applying for a DBS

Oxfordshire County Council cannot process a DBS check, you will need to do this via the government website.

Upload a scan of your current DBS certificate with the online form below. If this was issued more than 18 months ago you will need to apply for a new enhanced DBS. If you have signed up for the online update service, provide a scan of your number so that we can check it.

Applying for a DBS through an umbrella body

An individual, whether employed, self-employed or a volunteer, must apply for a DBS check through one of the registered organisations registered with the DBS. 

The organisation that requires the check to be made or has advised an individual that they require a check usually provides the means or information required to make the application. You can also search for a local DBS umbrella body. Umbrella bodies may charge an admin fee.

There are two ways of applying for a DBS check. You will either be asked to: 

  • telephone the DBS application line on 03000 200 190, in which case you will need to confirm the Registered Body name, number and the level of DBS check required, or 
  • complete a paper application form handed to you by the person who asked you to apply.

Detailed guidance on the DBS process.

Safeguarding training

All chaperones licensed by Oxfordshire County Council must have child protection training and appropriate guidance.

Basic child Protection awareness training must be carried out by all chaperones through the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board website before a licence can be issued. The online course is called: Level 1: Introduction to Safeguarding. You must upload a copy of your course certificate when you complete the online form below.

All production company staff, cast (actors), crew and in particular chaperones and others in direct physical contact with child performers, such as dressers and make-up artists should be mindful of their conduct around children and young people. This includes the use of language, touch and general behaviour.

You also need to read What to do if you are worried a child is being abused on the GOV UK website.

Apply online

Allow up to 21 days for your application to be processed to allow for the appropriate checks to be made.

Online chaperone application form

Responsibilities of a chaperone

  • A chaperone's first priority is always to the child
  • A chaperone is the key person to whom the child looks to for guidance, protection, clarification and support
  • One of a chaperone's greatest strengths is their ability to negotiate with the production company 'on site' and be able to say no when what is being requested of the child is contrary or detrimental to either the child's health, well-being or education. For example, requesting a child to stay at a place of performance for longer than the hours laid down in either the child's licence or the regulations, lack of education time, and so forth (contact the local authority if you experience difficulties here)
  • At no time should a child perform if unwell
  • Chaperones should keep a note of important contacts. For example, their licensing authority, the child's licensing authority, the local authority in whose area the child is performing, the child's agent and the child's parent or legal guardian
  • The maximum number of children chaperones are allowed to have in their care at any one time is 12. But, in a lot of instances this will be too many, such as when there is a diverse mixture of ages requiring more concentrated supervision and so forth. We recommend eight children to be the most in many cases
  • The child should not perform if a licence has not been granted unless they fall within the exemption period
  • Chaperone's should not presume that a child is licensed. Always ask to see a child's licence upon arrival at a place of performance
  • If the production company cannot prove that a child is licensed, chaperone's should contact the child's local authority urgently, otherwise a contravention may have occurred
  • Production companies are required to log certain activities during a performance e.g arrival and departure times at the place of the performance.
  • Chaperone must remain with the child/children at all times.