Children's Entertainment Licence

Many children take part in performances on stage, television and film while others are involved in modelling or paid sporting activities.  

The Children (Performance) Regulations regulate children taking part in these activities and the local authority runs a licensing system designed to protect the child and give prime consideration to their health, welfare and education. The regulations apply to all children from birth until they reach compulsory school leaving age. 

A child may perform without a license for up to four days, but only if:

• it is unpaid
• no absence from school is required
• no performances in the previous six months

Performances arranged by school, scouts, guides, youth clubs and similiar do not need a licence.
 
The licensing authority is normally the local authority where the child lives. The person responsible for organising the production or event should apply for the licence

Applications should be submitted 21 days before the performance takes place.  While licensed to perform the child must be in the care of a chaperone.  This may be a local authority approved chaperone, the child’s parent or an appointed tutor.

Please follow the links to the right to download a Children's Entertainment Licence application form.