Duty of care
Chaperones are accountable for how they:
- exercise authority
- manage risk
- use resources
- safeguard children and young people
Whether working in a paid or voluntary capacity, chaperones have a duty to keep children and young people safe and protect them from sexual, physical and emotional harm. Children and young people have a right to be treated with respect and dignity. It follows that trusted adults are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Failure to do so may be regarded as neglect.
Chaperones must not:
- leave the children and young people they are supervising alone with another adult (unless it is a licensed chaperone, their parent or tutor)
- allow them to leave the performance or rehearsal venue unescorted, unless in the company of their parent or an authorised adult
At no time should a child perform if unwell. If a child becomes ill or is injured while in the chaperone's charge, the parent or carer must be informed and medical assistance gained. In case of a serious illness or accident, the child should be taken to a hospital. The child's parent or carer and local authority should be informed immediately.