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Children,Young People and Work Experience
Supervising

Children must not enter a workplace except under supervision and with the permission of the manager of the workplace.
 
Children under 18 must be supervised under the Child protection policy. For those under 16 involved in a production this will mean that they must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or licensed chaperone. Parents who are not licensed chaperones may not be responsible for children other than their own.
 
Child Protection Policy
There are arrangements in place through the Child Protection Policy to ensure that those who are in a position of trust with children are appropriately vetted. These will include staff whose roles may involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of those under 18.
 
Supervising Groups of Children
Where groups of children are to participate in our programmes, as audience members or as contributors, we need to ensure that they are properly supervised. It is preferable to ensure that they are accompanied by those who know them well and are competent to supervise a group e.g. their teachers or scout leaders.
The Department of Education in its guidance for those taking children on educational visits recommends that supervision is based on:
  • an assessment of the activities in which the children may participate
  • adequate supervision of the children depending on age and ability
  • appropriate vetting of those who supervise the children
  • the needs of the emergency procedure.
The ratio of supervisors will depend on the above but as a general guide the Department of Educations suggested ratios are:
 
Age of Child  Ratio of Competent Adults
5-7 years 1:5 
8-10 years  1:10 
10-16 years  1:20 
 
Of course the above are examples only and will need to be considered again if for example there are a number of children in the group with disabilities or if there is a need for supervisors of different genders. All organised groups should have procedures for the vetting of all those who may come into contact with children. For the protection of adults and children the Department advises that supervisors ensure that wherever possible they are not alone with a child.
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