Child Performance Regulation Guidelines

  AGE 0-4 AGE 5-8 AGE 9 & OVER
Maximum number of hours at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg.22) 5 hours 8hours 9.5 hours
Earliest and latest permitted times at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg.21) 7am to 10pm 7am to 11pm 7am to 11pm

Maximum period of continuous performance or rehearsal (Reg.22)

30 minutes 2.5 hours 2.5 hours
Maximum total hours of performance or rehearsal (Reg.22) 2 hours 3 hours 5 hours
Minimum intervals for meals and rest (Reg.23) Any breaks must be for a minimum of 15 minutes. If at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours, breaks must include at least one 45 minute meal break.

If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes

If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes.

If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes

If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes.

Education (Reg.13) N/A 3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less. 3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less.
Minimum break between performances (Reg.23) 1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum consecutive days to take part in performance or rehearsal (Reg.26) 6 days 6 days 6 days
Note: Local authorities should take note of Regulation 5 that allows the licensing authority to further restrict these permitted hours, breaks etc. and place additional conditions on the licence if this would be in the best interests of the individual child.

Licence Information

A child performance licence is required for all working children in the entertainment industry for children of compulsory school age or younger. You will only require a licence when your child is confirmed for a job. A Licence is valid for one job only and the process needs to be repeated each time your child is confirmed for work. The agency together with the client completes this process for you.

Current legislation for licence applications requires 21 days notice, though some council’s will turn a licence around within 5–10 working days, sometimes sooner, it is at the council’s discretion to process a licence with less notice.

The items below are required for each application;

  • Part 1 of licence application form (client to complete)
  • Part 2 of licence application form (parent to complete) *
  • Signed self certified medical declaration (parent to complete) *
  • School letter from the head teacher to authorise absence from school (parent to obtain only once booked)
  • 2x passport photographs (agency provides)
  • Copy of birth certificate or passport (parent to provide) *

* starred items above are to be uploaded to your agency profile when registering and therefore ready for use.

Do not worry about obtaining a child performance licence, we are here to help with forms and apply on your behalf!

The following government link will help you to establish which is your local authority: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-child-performance-licence This council is what you need to enter on your profile.

The following government link supplies more information regarding child performance and regulations that may be useful to read but again do not worry as we work with the clients on this: https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/performance-licences-for-children


HELPFUL LINKS

It is a legal requirement and the clients responsibility to apply for a Child Performance Licence for all jobs.

Legislations are in place to protect all child performers, the latest 2014 act is available to view here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/3309/contents/made

The National Network for Child Employment & Entertainment are the only National organisation solely dedicated to the continual development and implementation of ‘good practice’ issues for children engaged in employment and taking part in public performances. They can be found at:  http://www.nncee.org.uk

You can also find more advice on the government website, government guidance; Child performance and activities https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-performance-and-activities-licensing-legislation

Bizzy Agency provides a complete licence processing service on behalf of all our parents, artists and clients. 

Please get in touch if you require assistance, or more information.