Chaperone licence

Find out if you need a licence, how to apply, what conditions you need to meet and how to appeal a licensing decision.

If you want to look after children who are taking part in public performances or entertainment, you'll need to have a chaperone licence.

Chaperones can look after up to 12 children at a time. You'll be responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of each child.

Anyone 18 years or older who lives in Rochdale borough can apply for a chaperone licence.

To apply for a chaperone licence:

1. Download and complete the chaperone licence application form.
2. Email the completed form to us at education.welfare@rochdale.gov.uk.
3. When you email, you should also a passport-sized photograph of yourself.
4. We aim to get in touch within 10 working days of receiving your application to let you know the next steps.

Download the Chaperone licence application form

Once you've applied, we'll undertake a variety of security and social services checks. This includes references and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.

We can only accept current DBS certificates which are dated in the last 12 months. The certificate also needs to have Rochdale Borough Council listed as the employer or it needs to be on the DBS update service.

If you don't have a current DBS certificate or we can't accept your current one, you'll have to pay a fee so we can conduct a DBS check. The fee will depend on whether you're applying for a volunteer or professional chaperone licence but the maximum we'll charge is £44. If you need to know what the fee will be now, you can get in touch with us using the details on this page. 

You may also need to attend Chaperone Training.

No. We must process your application before it can be granted as tacit consent doesn't apply. 

Your chaperone licence will last for 3 years from the date it's issued.

You can get in touch with us using the contact details on this page if you want to know more about why we refused your application and what actions you can take before re-applying.

If you disagree with our decision, you can appeal to your local magistrates' court.

• Find your local magistrates' court on GOV.UK

If you work as a chaperone when you don't have a licence, including as a volunteer chaperone, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. You could also be sentenced to up to 3 months in prison.

Contact the team