Chaperone Policy

At The Man in the Moon Youth Theatre, the safety, wellbeing, and positive experience of our young performers are our top priorities. Chaperones play a crucial role in maintaining these standards. This policy outlines the key responsibilities of chaperones and references related organisational policies to ensure consistency and clarity in their duties.​
 

Chaperones are responsible for:

 

• Ensuring the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of all children assigned to their care.

• Supporting positive behaviour management in line with our Behaviour Management Policy.

• Acting as the child’s advocate, placing their needs above production pressures.

• Following reporting procedures for any safeguarding concerns, illness, or accidents, as outlined in our Safeguarding Policy and Illness and Accident Policy.

• Maintaining professionalism in line with our Code of Conduct.

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Dos
 

• Prioritise the child’s comfort: Ensure the child feels at ease and supported at all times.

• Be vigilant: Stay alert to risks, such as unsafe equipment, inappropriate behaviours, or emotional distress.

• Know your reporting process: Familiarise yourself with procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns, illnesses, or accidents as outlined in our Safeguarding Policy and Illness and Accident Policy.

• Set a positive example: Model appropriate behaviour, language, and professionalism, in line with our Code of Conduct.

• Respect confidentiality: Handle sensitive information about children or incidents discreetly and professionally.

• Ensure clear communication with children and other adults in a way that supports children’s wellbeing.

• Follow the emergency procedures: Be familiar with our Emergency Evacuation Procedure and act swiftly in an emergency

 

Don’ts
 

• Allow unwell children to perform: Follow guidance in our Illness and Accident Policy if a child is unwell.

• Leave children unsupervised: Always maintain sight or awareness of the children under your care.

• Use personal devices: Avoid using mobile phones or cameras in restricted areas, adhering to our Mobile Phone Policy.

• Smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs: Adhere strictly to our Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol Policy.

• Ignore inappropriate behaviour: Whether from adults or peers, all concerning behaviours must be addressed or reported immediately.

• Take photos of children: Only authorised personnel should take photos and videos, and only for specific, pre-approved purposes.

• Leave visitors unsupervised: Follow our Visitor Policy to ensure no unauthorised individuals are backstage or interacting with children unsupervised.

 

Practical Guidance for Chaperones
 

• Before the Performance: Attend a pre-performance briefing to review emergency procedures, child-specific needs (e.g., allergies, medical conditions), and your duties.

• Behaviour Management: Support children positively, following our Behaviour Management Policy to resolve conflicts or disruptions constructively.

• Managing Medication: If a child requires medication, follow our Medicine Administration Policy to ensure it is administered safely and in compliance with guidelines.

• Handling Late Pickups: If a child is not collected on time, follow our Uncollected Child Procedure.

• Reporting Concerns: If you notice anything worrying, report it to Paul Branch, the designated safeguarding lead, immediately. Keep detailed notes, as necessary, following the procedures outlined in our Safeguarding Policy.

Conclusion

Chaperones are integral to providing a safe, secure, and positive environment for our young performers. This policy works alongside other organisational guidelines, including the Health and Safety Policy, to ensure all chaperones have the knowledge and resources they need to fulfil their roles effectively.

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Thank you for your dedication to ensuring our performances are safe and enjoyable for all involved. If you have any questions or need clarification, please speak to a member of the production team.

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Related Policies:

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• This policy should be read alongside our Confidentiality, Complaints and Disciplinary and Grievance

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Review and Update:

 

• Adopted: 18 November 2024

• Review Period: Every 24 months