www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Notes on the duties of the Matron
The Matron’s first duty is to the children in his/her care; while he/she is acting as matron he/she may not engage in any activity that would interfere with the performance of his/her duties. The matron is in loco parentis, except when a child is in the care of a teacher, and should exercise that care which a good parent might reasonably be expected to give the child.
If the child is working in the theatre, the times when the child should attend and when he/she should be on stage are know in advance and must come within what is permitted on the licence.
The matron’s main duties will be to ensure that, when the child is not actually performing he/she is properly supervised, and has adequate meals, rest and recreation.
No child should be allowed to perform when unwell. If a child falls ill or is injured when in the charge of the matron, a doctor should be called and the licence holder should immediately notify the child’s parent and the Local Authority.
While a licence is in force, the place of performance may be visited by an Officer acting for the Local Authority. His/her responsibilities are to ensure that the licence is being complied with and the child is properly cared for. He/she will wish to see the dressing rooms used by the child(ren) named in the licence, and any other accommodation he/she may use (eg rest rooms). He/she will wish to meet the matron.
If, while a licence is in force, it appears to the Authority that a matron is not performing his/her duties satisfactorily, the approval given for his/her employment may be withdrawn.
Children and Yound Persons Act 1963, Section 37
Children (Performance) Regulations 1968
Children (Performances) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 1998
“Regulation 12
- A person, who may be a man or a woman, approved by the licensing Authority (in the Regulations referred to as a Matron) shall be in charge of the child at all times during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last performance to which the Licence relates, except when a child is in the care of a parent or teacher.
- The Licensing Authority shall not approve a matron unless they are satisfied that he/she is suitable and competent to exercise proper care and control of the child of the age and the sex of the child in question and that he/she will not be prevented from carrying out his/her duties towards the child by other activities or duties towards other children.
- Without prejudice to the last foregoing paragraph, the licensing Authority shall not approve a matron if he/she is to be in charge of more than eleven children during the time when he/she would be in charge of the child in question if approval were given.
- A matron while in charge of a child under this regulation shall have the care and control of the child with a view to securing his/her health, comfort, kind treatment and moral welfare.
- Where a child suffers any injury or illness while in charge of a matron or teacher, the holder of the licence shall ensure that the parent of the child named in the application form and the Local Authority are notified immediately of such injury or illness.
Contact Details
By Post
Area Business Services (WEST)
Children and Families Branch
County Hall, East
TROWBRIDGE
Wiltshire BA14 8JQ
By Telephone
01225 773500
By Fax
01225 773535
By Email
By Post
LET (North & Kennet)
Children and Families Branch
10 Prince Maurice Court
Hambleton Avenue
DEVIZES
Wiltshire
SN10 2TP
By Telephone
01380 720721
By Fax
01380 721800
By Email
By Post
LET (South)
Children and Families Branch
Wilton Rooms
The Hollows
Wilton
SALISBURY
Wiltshire
SP2 0JE
By Telephone
01722 743907
By Email
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday 8.45 – 17.20
Friday 8.45 – 16.20
