Performance licences for school age children

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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?

Related documents

• Application form for a Child Performance Licence Application for Child Performance Licence 116kb
• Medical Certificate - Children in Entertainment
• Medical Questionnaire - Children in Entertainment

Last updated: 25 May 2012