Chaperone guidelines for parents chaperoning their own child
Information for parents who chaperone their child when licensed for performances.
The Children (Performances and Activities) (Wales) Regulations 2015
Many children perform on stage, in television, film, commercial work and also work as models or take part in paid sporting activities.
These children must be licensed if:
- they are paid; or
- they require absence from school; or
- they will perform on more than four days within a period of six months (all performances count towards these four days).
Children who perform under a licence must be supervised at all times by either their parent or a licensed chaperone who has been approved by the local authority. If you are not a licensed chaperone with the local authority you may not act as chaperone for any child other than your own.
As a parent chaperoning your own child it is important that you are aware of the following:
- On arrival at the place of performance, find out whom to report to and sign yourself and your child in (and out when you leave). Daily record sheets are sent to the production company for this purpose and you should ask for a copy to fill in for your child or make sure that this information is being recorded by someone in the production company. Details which should be recorded should include: times of arrival; performing; rest breaks; and departure time.
- Ask the name of the person you should speak to if you have problems or concerns.
- You must be with your child at all times, remaining at the place of performance for the duration of the time that your child is there. This includes accompanying them to the toilet, accompanying them to the stage wings for theatre performances and to and from the set for filming. This is perfectly acceptable practice.
- Familiarise yourself with fire evacuation procedures, and the whereabouts of the designated first aider.
- Your child must have a separate dressing room and toilet from adults, also children over the age of 5 years must have separate dressing rooms for boys and girls.
The nature of the performance must be appropriate to the age of your child. If you feel that your child is becoming tired, ill or overworked, or you are not happy with their working conditions, you should discuss your concerns with the director/producer. You are quite within your rights to ask for your child to have a break. Your child's health and welfare are of paramount importance and ultimately you have the right to withdraw your child if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached.
There can be a lot of waiting around when children are performing. Make sure you take something for your child to do. Also check if there are facilities for food and drink available at the place of performance prior to arrival as these will not always be provided and you may need to take these with you.
The legislation specifies set times that your child may be present at the place of performance, these are detailed below. Any work after or before the hours indicated must be agreed with the local authority on application of a performance licence, information of the agreed hours will be on your child's licence which was sent to you.
During the course of the performance you may be visited by an officer from the local authority. They will visit to ensure that the necessary regulations are being adhered to and that your child is being treated appropriately.
Most of what is required of you is common sense to make sure your child is happy and comfortable at all times and has an enjoyable experience.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Child Performance Licensing.
| Topic | Age 0-4 | Age 5-8 | Age 9+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of hours at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg. 24) | 5 hours | 8 hours | 9.5 hours |
| Earliest and latest permitted times at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg. 23) | 7.00am - 10.00pm | 7.00am - 11.00pm | 7.00am - 11.00pm |
| Maximum period of continuous performance or rehearsal (Reg. 24) | 30 minutes | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Maximum total hours of performance or rehearsal (Reg. 24) | 2 hours | 3 hours | 5 hours |
| Minimum intervals for meals and rest (Reg. 25) | Any breaks must be for a minimum of 15 minutes. If at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours, breaks must include at least one 45 minute break | If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes. If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes. | If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes. If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes. |
| Education (Reg. 15) | N/A | 3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less. | 3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less. |
| Minimum break between performances (Reg. 25) | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Maximum consecutive days to take part in performance or rehearsal (Reg. 28) | 6 days | 6 days | 6 days |
Note: Local authorities should take note of Regulation 5 that allows the licensing authority to further restrict these permitted hours, breaks etc. and place additional conditions on the licence if this would be in the best interests of the individual child.