Staging a community show (Esp. Chaperones)?

[drwhofan]

I keep thinking about the idea of putting on some kind of variety show in my local area for charity. It would be open to all ages but I'm sure that would mean there would be some children involved. I know there have been a lot of law changes recently regarding chaperones and I was wondering if anyone knew of any good websites/ other sources of information for me to figure out exactly what I was doing?

(of course I'm still thoroughly sitting on the fence and this is all very hypothetical...)

Thanks xx

[flicrat]

Anyone involved with children or vulnerable adults would need to be CRB checked I think.( Criminal Record Bureau or something like that.)

[boxtops]

You need to speak to the Children in Entertainment officer at your local county council. There are strict rules these days about chaperoning the under-16s and you will need an enhanced CRB check in order to be officially licenced as a chaperone. There is quite a lot of red tape (but in the children's interests), they have to be segregated from adults in dressing room areas and separate rooms for boys and girls. It depends how your local council interprets the rules but you have to be very careful about hours spent in rehearsal and on the show itself, and rehearsing on school nights etc.

[boxtops]

Have look at this website - http://www.n-somerset.../chaperoneservice.htm - I think this is fairly typical.

[Buenchico]

From November of this year anyone who is involved in any activity which brings them into frequent or intensive contact with children (or vulnerable adults) must be registered with the Vetting and Barring Scheme. ('Controlled activities' are also included but they don't apply in your situation). Applicants can seek registration from July onwards:
http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/default.aspx?page=2

Chris