Your Child in Entertainment: A Simple Guide to Licensing
What is a child performance licence?
It’s official permission from the local council that allows your child to take part in:
TV, film, theatre, radio, modelling, dance shows, concerts, etc.
The licence is meant to protect your child’s welfare and education.
Which legislation does the licensing requirement come from?
‘The Children and Young Persons Act 1963 (Section 37) Restriction on persons under 16 taking part in public performances.
This includes children who have attained age 16 during the academic year i.e. are still of compulsory school age.
(1) This subsection means that children of compulsory school age and below cannot take part in a performance , paid sport or work as a model when they are being paid (other than out of pocket expenses) without a performance licence. The licence is to be issued by the local authority where the child resides. If the child does not reside in Great Britain then the licence should be issued by the local authority where the licence applicant resides or has his place of business.
(2) This subsection states the types of performances which require a licence. This includes:
(a) any performance in connection with which a charge is made (whether for admission or otherwise);
(b) any performance in licenced premises within the meaning of the Licensing Act [1964] or the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1959 or in premises in respect of which a club is registered under said Act of 1959 or the Licensing Act [1964];
(c) any broadcasting performance;
(d) any performance not falling within paragraph (c) above but included in a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990);
(e) any performance recorded (by whatever means) with a view to its use in a broadcast or such service or in a film intended for public exhibition;
Department for Education advice 1.1.1 states the following types of performances would be included in the above:
(c) Any broadcast performance to include internet streaming
(e) Any performance recorded (by whatever means) with a view to its use in a broadcast or such service or in a film intended for public exhibition. For example a live stage performance recorded for a cinema screening, a feature film, a video or sound recording of a performance on a website. (Note that this does not extend to user generated content, e.g. where young people or a family record themselves and share it on a website or social media); and also when children take part in sport or modelling for which payment is made (to the child or to someone else in respect of the child taking part) other than expenses.’
When do you need a licence?
You usually need one if:
Your child is paid for performing, OR
Will miss school to perform, OR
Is performing on TV or in a recorded format (even if unpaid), OR
Appears on stage for more than 4 days in 6 months.
What do you need to apply?
A completed application form (usually filled out by the production company / agency)
Your child’s birth certificate or passport.
A recent photo of your child.
A letter from the school agreeing to the absence (if time off school is needed).
Details of a chaperone (often a parent, or a licensed chaperone) who will look after your child on set or backstage.
What is a chaperone?
A chaperone is a licensed adult responsible for your child’s safety, wellbeing, and behaviour while working.
If you’re the parent, you can usually be the chaperone.
If you can’t be there, the production must arrange a licensed chaperone.
How long can children work?
There are strict limits on:
The number of hours per day
Start and finish times (especially for younger children)
Number and length of breaks
Total number of days per week
These vary by age and type of performance.
What about education?
If your child misses school, they must have tutoring arranged by the production (known as “tutors” or “studio teachers”).
The aim is to make sure their education doesn’t suffer.
Why does all this matter?
The regulations are there to:
Protect your child from overwork
Ensure they stay safe
Make sure school and social life aren’t badly affected