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Children taking part in licensed performances must be
supervised by a Registered Matron/Chaperone, unless supervised by
their own parent/guardian.
In all the following information any instance of the
term "matron" should be understood to refer to matrons or
chaperones.
The first duty of the matron is to look after the children in
his or her care. While acting as matron he/she may not engage in
any activity that would interfere with the performance of his/her
duties. Except when the child is in the care of a tutor the matron
is in loco parentis and should exercise the care which a good
parent might reasonably be expected to give a child.
Note:
Grandparents, uncles, child minders and the like are
not legal guardians (unless they have been
recognised as such by the courts) and therefore they would need to
be approved in order to chaperone a child. Parents, unless they are
also licensed matrons, cannot chaperone children other than their
own.
If a child is living away from home the matron is responsible
for the child for as long as the licence is current. This includes
seeing that the child's lodgings are satisfactory in every way and
that the child is properly occupied during their spare time.
No child should be allowed to perform while unwell. If a child
falls ill or is injured while in the care of a matron or tutor a
doctor should be called and the licence holder must immediately
notify the parent/guardian named in the application form as well as
the local authority.
Matrons must be approved by the licensing authority and may look
after a maximum of 12 children at any one time.
Useful Documents
To read the full guidance document provided to matrons
(chaperones) which gives details of a matron's duties and legal
requirements.
Information
for matrons and chaperones
If you are concerned about the welfare of children and young
people who perform there is a guidance document offering advice and
contact details.
Recognising
child abuse - a guide for matrons |