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Child Performance and Activities Licence

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Child Performance and Activities Licence

Children taking part in performance or entertainment activities must have a Child Performance Licence issued by the local authority they live in. 

Children who live abroad taking part in a performance or entertainment activities must have a Child Performance issued by the local authority in which the head office for the production company is. If the company does not have a head office in the UK, the local authority in which the performance or activities take place should issue the licence. 

Performance and entertainment activities can include: 

  • performing on stage or in another public setting 

  • appearing in a TV show or in a film 

  • modelling or sporting events that they’re paid for 

Who needs a licence 

A licence is needed if: 

  • it’s paid work 

  • the child needs to be absent from school to take part 

  • the child has performed, licensed or not, within the previous 6 months  

  • the performance is taking place on licensed premises or the audience is paying to see them 

Time restrictions 

There’s strict legislation on the number or hours and days a child may perform, which vary based on their age and the nature of the work. 

Age 0 to 4  

The restrictions include: 

  • maximum time at venue is 5 hours 

  • maximum performance time is 2 hours 

  • maximum continuous time without a break is 30 minutes 

  • earliest start time is 7am and latest finish time is 10pm 

Age 5 to 9 

The restrictions include: 

  • maximum time at venue is 8 hours 

  • maximum performance time is 3 hours 

  • maximum continuous time without a break is 2 hours 30 minutes 

  • earliest start time is 7am and latest finish time is 11pm 

Age 10 to 18 

The restrictions include: 

  • maximum time at venue is 9.5 hours 

  • maximum performance time is 5 hours 

  • maximum continuous time without a break is 2 hours 30 minutes 

  • earliest start time is 7am and latest finish time is 11pm 

Before you apply 

You need to apply for the licence at least 10 working days before you need it. If you need to get a licence with less than 10 days notice, contact the service before submitting your application by email at [email protected]. 

To complete the application form, you’ll need to upload a: 

  • clear photo headshot of the child taken within the past 6 months 

  • scanned copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport 

  • complete parents part 2 of the Medical Declaration form 

  • copy of your child protection or safeguarding policy 

  • copy of your risk assessment 

  • copy of the letter from the child’s school giving permission to take part 

  • copy of the contract issued to the child 

You’ll be asked for the details of: 

  • the performance or activities 

  • any rehearsals 

  • the child 

  • the parent, carer or chaperone of the child 

  • welfare and education arrangements for the child 

How to apply 

You need to submit the application form at least 10 working days before you need the licence to start. If you need any help filling it in, email [email protected].

Apply now

What happens next 

We aim to process applications within 10 working days. If we need more details from you, we’ll be in touch and your application may take longer to process. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email from us with the licence and other important information attached. 

We’ll keep records of approved applications for up to 12 months after the licence expiry date. If there are safeguarding concerns, we’ll keep the records for as long as necessary. 

Reporting a concern 

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child during the performance or activities: 

  • contact the police 

All reports will be treated in confidence and fully investigated.