Children of compulsory school age who take part in entertainment and certain other activities need to be licensed. The licence is designed to protect the child's health, education and welfare. It also stops children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), from being exploited or overworked.
Children may require a performance licence if they are taking part in -
- a theatre performance
- modelling
- television
The person who is producing the show or casting is responsible for applying for the licence if one is required.
A licence is needed -
- when the child is going to be absent from school
- if they have performed more than 4 times in the last 6 months
- if the child is being paid
- if the performance is recorded for a possible use in a broadcast
Body of Persons Licence
Instead of issuing individual licences, we may be able to issue a Body of Persons licence which covers multiple children. A Body of Persons licence covers the organisation for a set period or for a specific performance.
A Body of Persons licence cannot be issued where performers are paid or have already been involved with 4 days of performance in the previous 6 months.
Licences are not usually required for a performance arranged by a school.
Access Children in entertainment application and Body of Persons exemption application.