On set Tutors
Behind the scenes, young stars need to continue their education while working in our creative industries.
What is an on-set tutor?
An on-set tutor is a qualified teacher and holds QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and an enhanced DBS on the child barred check list. Tutors are responsible for overseeing the academic progress and welfare of our child performers. In the UK, it is a legal requirement for child performers under 16 (or 18 if still in compulsory education) to receive education while working, and on-set tutors are in place to support productions with their aggregated tutor hour requirements. Tutors are the unsung heroes on set, playing a vital role in maintaining a balance between the child’s career and their education.
Responsibilities of an Onset-tutor
- Providing Education: Child performers are still required to meet educational standards, so on-set tutors deliver lessons in subjects in supporting the national curriculum for the child’s relevant key stage.
- Liaising with Schools and Parents: They communicate with the child’s school to ensure continuity in learning and to adapt lesson plans to fit the child’s individual needs.
- Welfare: Beyond academics, on-set tutors also hold a chaperones licence in order to also work with children on set as well as the tutor room.
- Monitoring Work Hours: Child performance regulations limit the number of hours children can work, and on-set tutors ensure that they work alongside productions to ensure that working hours along with the relevant breaks are adhere to.
- Providing Emotional Support: Working in the entertainment industry can be demanding for young performers, and on-set tutors also offer emotional support, helping children cope with the pressures of the industry.
Why is the Role of a Set Teacher Important?
Their role is essential for several reasons:
- Ensuring Educational Development
- Safeguarding and Welfare
- Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
- Aggregating tutor hours to fit around schedules
Final Thoughts
Whilst a legal requirement, on-set tutors are an integral part of your package of duty of care for the children you invite to work alongside you on your productions. Ensuring that child performers receive both an education and a safe working environment, a tutor’s role is vital in shaping the future of our young talent, providing them with the necessary tools to succeed both on and off the screen.
