Performance licences for school age children

About this service

The rules governing children in entertainment cover children who take part in 'performances' including all broadcast performances, photography or modelling. Any child engaged in these occupations must have a licence issued by the local authority.

Application for a licence must be signed by the parents and accompanied by a photograph. The local authority must be satisfied that arrangements for the supervision and protection of the child are adequate and that the disruption to the child's education is kept to a minimum.

The legislation which demands this licensing is The Children and Young Persons Acts 1933 and 1963 and The Children (performances) Regulations 1968.

Key issues covered by the regulations are:

  • is the child/young person below minimum school leaving age?
  • does the child reside in the area covered by Wiltshire Council?
  • is there a charge made for admission?
  • is the performance within licensed premises?
  • is it broadcast on television?
  • is it intended for filming?
  • is it in school time? If so, a consultation must be made with the child's headteacher
  • is the child/young person fit to take part?
  • is the activity safe?

No licence is required under the following circumstances

  • no payment is made to the child and the child has not taken part in performances in the previous six months on more than three days
  • no payment is made to the child and the performance is arranged by the school
  • no payment is made to the child and the performance is exempted by the Secretary of State, e.g. scout gang shows

See: Whether your child will need a licence?

Contact Details

Local Education Teams (LETs)

LET North Wiltshire

Postal Address:

357 Hungerdown Lane
Chippenham
SN14 0UY

Telephone: 01249 658978

Fax: 01249 445959

LET East Wiltshire

Postal Address:

357 Hungerdown Lane
Chippenham
SN14 0UY

Telephone: 01249 658978

Fax: 01249 445959

LET South Wiltshire

Postal Address:

The Wilton Rooms
The Hollows
Wilton
SP2 0JE

Telephone: 01722 743907

LET West Wiltshire

Postal Address:

East Wing
Trowbridge
BA14 8JB

Telephone: 01225 713791


Related Documents:

Last updated: 2 June 2009