When a child is invited to take part in a production, there is plenty to think about. Timings, travel and costume may be the most visible parts of the plan, but parents also need to know who will look after their child while they are working.
In England, a child under school leaving age may need a child performance licence for certain performances or activities. The person responsible for running the event applies to the child’s local council. GOV.UK advises organisers to ask the council if they are unsure whether a licence is needed.
If a child will not be with their parent, school teacher or home tutor, GOV.UK says they must be supervised by a chaperone approved by the council. This approval matters. It gives parents and production teams a clear, accountable arrangement for the child’s supervision.
What does an approved chaperone do?
A chaperone’s attention is on the children in their care. They need to understand the day’s arrangements, know where each child should be and remain alert to anything that could affect a child’s welfare.
The practical side can include helping with arrivals and handovers, keeping track of rehearsal or performance calls, checking that children receive the breaks and care set out in their arrangements, and making sure they are released to the agreed adult at the end of the day.
A chaperone is also someone a child can speak to. Sets, stages and busy venues can feel unfamiliar, even when a child is excited to be there. Calm explanations and a consistent adult presence can make the experience easier to understand.
Questions parents can ask before the day
You do not need to wait until arrival to ask how supervision will work. Useful questions include:
- Who will be responsible for my child while I am not present?
- Is the chaperone approved by the relevant local authority?
- Who is the production contact for questions before the day?
- What are the expected arrival, rehearsal, performance and collection times?
- Where will children rest, change and wait when they are not needed?
- How will food, drinks, medication and additional needs be handled?
- Who may collect my child, and what is the handover process?
- What should my child do if they feel worried, unwell or uncomfortable?
Clear answers help everyone. They also give the child a better idea of what to expect.
Information worth sharing
Tell the production about anything relevant to your child’s day. This may include medical needs, allergies, communication preferences, access needs or agreed arrangements for medication. Use the production’s secure process rather than sending private information more widely than necessary.
It can also help to tell your child who their chaperone will be and how to identify them. Keep the explanation simple: this is the adult responsible for looking after you while I am not there, and you can speak to them if you need help.
At collection time
Agree in advance who may collect your child. If the plan changes, use the production’s stated contact and handover process. A busy stage door or location is not the place for informal assumptions.
Before your child’s next performance or activity, check the current requirements with the relevant local authority. Rules and licence conditions depend on the circumstances, and arrangements outside England differ.