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TRAINING FOR CHAPERONES

LOOKING AFTER CHILDREN WHO PERFORM

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TRAINING FOR CHAPERONES

Are you thinking: -

Why am I here?

Isn’t this a lot of fuss over nothing?

Why are you making us train to become Chaperones?

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RESPONSIBILITY OFTHE LOCAL AUTHORITY

Ensure safety, well-being and kind treatment of all children engaged in entertainmentEnsure children are properly supervised by a Chaperone at all times To only approve a chaperone who is suitable and competent.

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CHILD PROTECTION

THE L.A. SHOULD PROVIDE AWARENESS RAISING TRAINING

To identify potential Child Protection issues To advise what initial steps should be takenTo know how to inform the appropriate authority of any concerns about Child Protection

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CHILD PROTECTIONA Few Basics!

Statutory responsibility for Child ProtectionSupport schools where any concerns about Child Protection We are your Child Protection Liaison OfficerConfidentialityNo discussion with others

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CHILD PROTECTIONExercises:-

Situations a Chaperone may face

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PERFORMANCE LICENSING &

CHILDREN WHO PERFORM

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THE PAPERWORK

Most children MUST be licenced to performLicence applications – complicated!

Exemptions:-Body of Persons applications/school performancesPerformances within previous six months

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RELEVANT LEGISLATION

Children & Young Persons Act 1933/63

The Children (Performances) Regulations 1968

The Children (Performances) (Amendment) Regulations 2000

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Dressing Rooms

Toilets

Supervision

VENUE REQUIREMENTS

StageDoor

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MEDICAL CLEARANCE

All Performances: -

Parent to make declaration of child’s fitness to take part in the performance

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TIME AT PLACE OF

PERFORMANCEStage performance:-

At place of performance between 10am – 10.30pm depending on age.Production no longer than 3.5 hoursChild’s part no longer than 2.5 hours

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TIME AT PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Broadcast or Recording Performance: -Under 5 yrs old - 5 hours5yrs but under 9 yrs -7.5 hours9 yrs old & over - 9.5 hours Breaks, meals and tuition vary according to age.

Please consult daily regime (Booklet-Page 8)

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WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM CHAPERONES?A standard of care that incorporates the following:-

Children to be met at stage door and signed inEscorted on and off stage Know where children are at all timesChildren must be supervised at all times

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CHAPERONE’S DUTIES contd..

Suitable refreshments between showsWritten arrangements for leaving theatreChildren not to leave theatre unaccompaniedChildren collected (named adult) signed out of theatre Uncollected children remain in the chaperone’s charge

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Be familiar with the Fire Evacuation ProceduresBe familiar with the First Aid ProceduresEnsure Accidents are reported to and recorded by the managementExamine accident book each dayInjuries to be reported to LA

CHAPERONES DUTIES Safety of children

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It is important to realise that the

Chaperone’s overall responsibility is to the Welfare of the

Child, and not to the director/producer

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CHAPERONE’S DUTIES (contd.)

Where you: - Are not satisfied with the conditions for the children at the place of performance

Insist they are put right!Consider a child unwell or too tired to continue

You can insist they are seen by a medically qualified person

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CHAPERONE’S POWERS &

RESPONSIBILITIESRecords: -The licence holder (Producer) MUST keep records of children engaged in any production under which a

licence is granted for the life of the licence and for six months after the last performance

Often the responsibility for this will be left with YOU

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DAILY RECORD SHEETS

The information the licence holder must keep and retain is: -

For each child, for each day he/she is present at the place of performance:

DateTime of arrival at and departure from place of performanceTime of each period during which child took partTime of each rest and meal intervalsTime of any night work authorised by LADetails of injuries and illnesses to any child

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DANGEROUS PERFORMANCES

Under the Children & Young Persons Act 1933 no child of compulsory school age (or under) is permitted to do anything which may endanger life or limbThis could include, for example, working on wires such as in Peter Pan, or heavy liftingChaperones must stop the producer using children this way

Chaperones must:-Inform the LA immediately. A representative will respond swiftly

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POWERS OF LOCAL AUTHORITY OFFICERS

Can enter any place of performance where a child is performing under a S.37 licenceTo make an inspectionTo make enquiries about any child taking partTo withdraw or refuse licences where reasonable grounds exist

YES! Prevent any child from performing or from continuing to perform!

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