If a child is not being cared for by their legal guardian or teacher who would ordinarily provide the child's education, they must be supervised by a licensed chaperone when involved in licensed performances or activities.
Please note: aunts, uncles, grandparents and childminders are not legal guardians - unless the courts have recognised them as such. They must apply for a licence to chaperone a child.
What is a Chaperone?
A chaperone is a person approved by the local authority under Regulation 15 of The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014. They are responsible for the safeguarding, care, control and wellbeing of a child during performances, rehearsals, activities, or when living away from home under a performance licence.
Chaperones act in place of a parent and are responsible for promoting the welfare of children and young people while they take part in these activities.
Who can become a Chaperone?
Any adult aged 18 or over who lives in the Dudley borough may apply to become an Approved Chaperone.
As part of the role, chaperones should:
- understand children, their needs and behaviours
- be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- act responsibly and in the best interests of the child
- communicate effectively with children, parents and performance organisers
- remain calm and work well in busy or pressured environments
- make appropriate decisions to support a child's wellbeing
All applicants are required to complete an application process and satisfactory safeguarding and suitability checks before approval can be granted.
How to Apply
As several checks have to be made, the time span between us receiving an application and approval being granted can take up to four months.
For more information on the chaperone application process and how to apply, please see the New Chaperone Application Pack.
Parents acting as chaperone should read our Guidance for Parent Chaperones.
Please download and complete the application form. Ensure you complete all fields, as failure to do so may delay your application.
If renewing your chaperone licence, please use the renewal form.
Submit your completed chaperone application form and any other relevant documentation using the MyDudley: Chaperon Registration button.
Applicants will also have to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service for an Enhanced Certificate of Disclosure before approval as a chaperone. This check is carried out through Dudley Council. Meetings for Enhanced Disclosure and DBS application are in person.
You will also need to pass our Children Social Care records check to assess your suitability for the role.
Interviews and training are delivered via Microsoft Teams. To attend this type of meeting you will need access to one of the following devices: Android smartphone/iPhone/iPad or Windows computer.
Approval
Any approval is subject to Dudley Council being satisfied that you would be able to exercise proper care and control of the child/children, and that you will not be prevented from carrying out your duty as chaperone by other duties. Any breach of these conditions could lead to the approval being withdrawn.
Chaperones are approved for three years.
After three years you will need to renew to remain on our approved list.
Reporting concerns about a chaperone approved by Dudley MBC
Use this form to report concerns about a chaperone licenced by Dudley Council. Once you've filled it in, upload it to the School Attendance and Education Support section on MyDudley
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