Thanks to those who are already coming forward to offer their services as chaprones, we need a lot more! It is not scary and you will get a lot of help.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
If you CAN offer your services, please email [email protected] and we shall HAPPILY send you over details about the course.
If you have a licence already please let us know.
Q I wish to become a licensed chaperone. What do I do, how long will it take?
A A chaperone licence is issued by the Local Authority dependent on your home address, we only issue licences therefore to West Sussex residents according to which authority you pay your council tax. We hope to process all applications within 6 weeks.
[We are running a course for chaperones to help with festivals and the show on 1st March. If you live outside West Sussex or cannot make that date, please get in touch and we shall try and get you onto another course]
Q Grandparents/aunts/family members: do they need a Chaperone license to take the family children to photo shoots/performances?
A Yes they do need to be licensed. Only the natural Parents or Legal Guardian can act as a chaperone unlicensed for their OWN child.
a) I am a qualified teacher, do I need a chaperone license?
b) I have a current DBS; do I need a further DBS check?
a) Yes you will need to attend the Chaperone training to ensure you are up to date with all the Performance legislation.
b) Please bring all requested items of identification which will be entered online to the Disclosure and Barring Service. A decision by the Bureau will determine whether a new check is to be made.
Q Is there a fee to be licensed?
A Volunteer Chaperones will be charged £15.
Professional Chaperones will be charged a fee of £65.
Q What are the duties of a Chaperone?
A Essentially this is a Child Protection role, a Chaperone has the care and control of the child/children in their care, with a view to securing his/her health comfort and well being, you will act in loco parentis whilst the child/children are in your care. No other duties should be placed upon the Chaperone by the producers.
Q Can men be Chaperones?
A Yes men can Chaperone
Q Is there an age limit
A There is no actual age limit, this is at the discretion of the Local Education Authority. (WSCC age limited to a minimum of 18yrs and no maximum age limit)