22/12/2004 - Safeguarding children during panto season

Cumbria County Council is making sure that children who take part in pantomimes this year will enjoy a safe and happy environment. 

Two 'matron/chaperones' have been fully trained by the county council's child employment and entertainment officers and are now employed by the Sands Centre in Carlisle to take care of the children appearing in this year’s pantomime. Both have been approved in accordance with the county council's procedures relating to approved matron/chaperones. These posts have been welcomed by the Sands Centre now the panto season is upon us as the majority of the cast are children and young people. 

Councillor Joan Stocker, cabinet member for education said:

"This is another example of county council's commitment to safeguarding children who enjoy taking part in performances. Children of compulsory school-age can of course profit from these experiences but we all need to make sure that their environment is suitable and properly regulated."

Cumbria County Council's child employment and entertainment officers, Mary Johnson and Janet Poultney said:

"Our work makes sure that groups who include young people of compulsory school age in their productions are aware of the legislation to ensure that young people enjoy their experience in a safe and happy environment. Working with the Sands Centre and having matron/chaperones employed during the panto season, makes sure that all staff are aware of the legislation. County council approval allows matron/chaperones to work in other Local Authority areas in England. These posts are a first and we now intend to work with other entertainment groups across the county."

Ian Congdon, arts, entertainment's and events manager for the Sands Centre said:

" We welcome regulations that improve the safeguarding of children. Our experience of venue operations alongside the legislation will also help other groups comply in the longer term. We already have outline plans in place to form a partnership with the County Council, amateur dramatic and dance teaching organisations so as to ease the process of compliance with the legislation for future productions."

Dancers chaperone, Rachael Easterby said:

"Working at The Sands has provided a fantastic opportunity to further my training in child welfare issues. My main role is to provide a safe environment in which the kids can work. The kids have such a great opportunity to have fun and learn more about the entertainment business whilst I am employed to look after their welfare."

Ian added; "We are delighted to work with the Authorities who have been very supportive. Our compliance with the legislation should provide encouragement and reassurance to families that children are safe to undertake activities at The Sands."