Find out when you'll need a child performance licence and start your application.
You need to apply for a performance licence if the child will:
You'll need to upload:
To ensure you complete the application form accurately, you must read the guide to child performance licensing from the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment.
Current legislation (The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014 for child performance), requires 21 days’ notice for licence applications.
But, depending on workload, we may issue a licence with at least 7 working days’ notice (not including weekends or bank holidays) if we have:
We carry out checks to ensure the safeguarding of children.
These include:
| Regulations | Age 0 to 4 | Age 5 to 8 | Age 9+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of hours at place of performance | 5 hours | 8 hours | 9 hours 30 minutes |
| Earliest and latest time permitted at place of performance | 7am to 10pm | 7am to 11pm | 7am to 11pm |
| Maximum period of continuous performance without a break | 30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Maximum total hours of performance | 2 hours | 3 hours | 5 hours |
| Minimum intervals for meals and rest |
15 minute minimum. If at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours, breaks must include one 45 minute meal break. |
If present for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minute and one break of 15 minutes. Over 8 hours, it will be another 15 minute break. | If present for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minute and one break of 15 minutes. Over 8 hours, it will be another 15 minute break. |
| Minimum break between performances | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Maximum consecutive days to take part in a performance | 6 days | 6 days | 6 days |
The normal rules for paying children and restrictions on employment apply to children in performances.
For more information see:
Make sure you fill in all parts of the application before you submit it.
The producer is the licence holder and must sign the licence application. The licence holder has responsibility for observing the restrictions and conditions of the licence, and keeping appropriate records.
Any incomplete or missing paperwork is the responsibility of the applicant or agent. We may decline applications that we receive late or incomplete.
Download the form and email it back to the Children in entertainment and employment licensing team.
Child performance licence application
When a licence is issued it will be sent to the producer who signed the application.
Copies are also sent to the child’s parent or guardian, school and the local authority where the performance is taking place.