Children who take part in public performances or entertainment under a licence issued by a local authority, must be supervised by a council-approved chaperone, unless they are in the care of their parent, guardian or teacher. This is a legal requirement.
A chaperone’s first duty is to the child in their care. They act in place of a parent and should give the same level of care a parent would reasonably give their own child.
Chaperones are responsible for safeguarding, supporting and promoting the child's wellbeing. This includes:
- ensuring the performance venue is suitable
- ensuring the child is properly supervised when not performing and has adequate meals, rest and recreation
- keeping an accurate daily record sheet for each child, as required by law
- ensuring the conditions of the performance licence are followed
An authorised council officer may inspect performances. Chaperones must have all required records and licences ready for inspection.
The application process
You should only apply to us for a chaperone licence if you live in Enfield. If you live outside Enfield, apply to your home local authority.
If you want to work as a paid chaperone, you must apply for a paid professional licence. Employers may not hire you for paid work if you only have a volunteer licence.
| Application type | Licence valid for | Part A – Admin cost | Part B – DBS cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New – paid professional | 3 years | £46.50 | £49.50 | £96 |
| New – unpaid volunteer | 3 years | £46.50 | £0 | £46.50 |
| Renewal – paid professional (new DBS application required) | 3 years | £36.50 | £49.50 | £86 |
| Renewal – unpaid volunteer (new DBS application required) | 3 years | £36.50 | £0 | £36.50 |
| Renewal – professional or volunteer (using the DBS update service) | 1 year | £25 | £0 | £25 |
After you submit your application and supporting documents, we will contact you to take payment over a secure telephone line. You must pay the full fee before we can start processing your application.
Please note:
- Part A of the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is not successful
- Part B is non-refundable if your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check shows information that Enfield Education Welfare Service deems makes you unsuitable for the role
How to apply
To start your application, please email us the following:
New applicants
- a completed application form (PDF, 330.78 KB)
- a passport-style photo of you, taken in the last 6 months
- proof of suitable safeguarding training completed in the last 6 months (we recommend NSPCC Protecting Children in Entertainment Training for Chaperones)
We will contact you to take payment and then contact your referees. Once we receive your 2 suitable references, you will be invited to the Civic Centre for a suitability interview.
Please bring original ID documents to this appointment to support your application for an Enhanced DBS check. If your interview is successful, you will be given details to complete your DBS application.
Renewal applicants
3-year renewals (new DBS required)
- a completed renewal application form (PDF, 258.44 KB)
- a passport-style photo of you, taken in the last 6 months
- proof of suitable safeguarding training completed in the last 6 months (we recommend NSPCC Protecting Children in Entertainment Training for Chaperones)
We will contact you to take payment, make arrangements to check your ID and give you details to apply for your new DBS certificate.
1-year renewals (using the DBS Update Service)
Pending review of your DBS status, we will post and email your licence.
You must provide a new photo and evidence of updated safeguarding training at least every 3 years, even if you renew annually using the DBS Update Service.
For new applications and 3-year renewals, you must bring your DBS certificate to the Civic Centre so we can verify and copy it.
You will then receive a paper copy of your licence and an e-copy via email. Licences are valid for 3 years from the date of DBS issue.
Please note: we cannot guarantee turnaround times for chaperone licences. This is due to various stages of the application process being beyond our control, such as the time taken for return of references and DBS clearance.
More information and guidance
For more information see:
If your application is refused, you can appeal to a magistrates' court within 21 days of the decision.