By law chaperones (also known as matrons) must have a licence, unless they are the child’s parent or legal guardian. Chaperones:

• are responsible for the welfare, protection and guidance of children and young people in entertainment
• must act as if they are the parent of the child, or children, they chaperone
• need to make sure, with producers, that the child’s best interests are protected
• must ensure that children they look after are properly supervised and are allowed meal times and rest periods

The maximum number of children that chaperones can care for is 12. If there is a mixture of ages and sexes then this number may be less. This is at the discretion of the local authority issuing the licence.

A combination of male and female chaperones may be required. The borough in which the applicant lives is responsible for issuing a chaperone licence.

The Education Statutory Services Team is responsible for licensing chaperones who live in Barking and Dagenham.

Apply for a chaperone licence

Download and complete our application form and return it to the address at the end of the form.

Chaperone licence application form (DOCX, 57.59KB)