Chaperones

• Chaperones will be appointed by DYT for the care of children during the production process. By law the chaperone is acting in loco parentis and should exercise the care which a good parent might be reasonably expected to give to a child. The maximum number of children in the chaperone’s care shall not exceed 12.
• Potential chaperones will be licensed as required by the local authority. Chaperones will be made aware of the society’s Child Protection Policy.
• Chaperones will not usually have unsupervised access to children in their care. If unsupervised access is unavoidable, or if this is a requirement of the local authority, a criminal record disclosure will be sought.
• Where chaperones are not satisfied with the conditions for the children, they should bring this to the attention of a DYT trustee.
• If a chaperone considers that a child is unwell or too tired to continue, the chaperone must inform the show's director.
• Under the Dangerous Performances Act, no child of compulsory school age is permitted to do anything which may endanger life or limb. This could include working on wires or heavy lifting.
• Chaperones will be aware of where the children are at all times.
• Children are not to leave the theatre unsupervised by chaperones unless in the company of a parent/guardian or other responsible adult (e.g. carer)
• Children will be adequately supervised while going to and from the toilets.
• Children will not be allowed to enter the adult dressing rooms.
• Chaperones should be aware of the safety arrangements and first aid procedures in the venue, and will ensure that children in their care do not place themselves and others in danger.
• Chaperones should ensure that any accidents are reported to a DYT trustee
• Children should be signed out when leaving and a record made of the person collecting.