Licensing Young People Involved in Performances

Some performances do NOT require a Licence these are:

• School performances
• Performances authorised by the Home Office or Local Authority where no payment has been made to the child or any other person except for covering expenses.
• An activity that is not considered to be a performance – e.g. children being filmed doing school lessons

N.B.

If a child does not perform on more than four days in any six months, providing there is no absence from school, no licence is needed.

Who should apply for a Licence?

The performance producer should apply for the licence.  They will be sent the original licence with a copy sent to the parent.

Licence Holder Responsibilities

The licence holder is responsible for ensuring that the conditions of the licence are met.

The law states that children taking part in public performances must be cared for by a Matron, or Chaperone.  The producer is responsible for ensuring that the Chaperones are registered (see Matron Leaflet). 

The licence holder must keep records of licences issued for at least six months after the final performance to which the licence relates, and must show these records if so required.

The producer must ensure that educational provision is made where appropriate.

Permitted Hours

Stage:

Times permitted at venue:

Under 13 yrs: between 10.00am &10.00 pm.

Over 13 yrs:  between 10.00am & 10.30 pm

Broadcast or Recorded Performances:

Notes:

The above guidelines apply to both performances and rehearsals.

There are strict rules governing minimum intervals for rest, meals and education.

Absence from school

Power to authorise absence from school rests with the Head Teacher or Principal; absences for unlicensed performances CANNOT be authorised.

There is much legislation that applies to young people who take part in performances.  This guide is intended to provide brief information about children performing on:

• Stage
• Television
• Film
• Radio
• Commercials

Legislation requires that all children, from babies until over compulsory school age, are licensed by the Local Authority where they live to take part in a performance.

This applies for performances:

• Where a charge is made
• At  Licensed Premises & Clubs
• That have been recorded with a view to use in a broadcast or film intended for public viewing

Completed application forms must be accompanied by:

• Proof of Date of Birth (photocopy of Birth Certificate)
• Two passport - sized photographs
• A copy of the child’s contract
• If under 14 yrs – a declaration of the nature of the performance
• Completed medical declaration
• Chaperon details

Application forms can be found at the bottom of this page.

Further details can be obtained from:

Education Welfare Service

Collegiate House

College Street

LEICESTER

LE2 0JX

Tel:      (0116)  221 1260

Fax:     (0116)  221 1261

Email:  education.welfare@leicester.gov.uk

or

use our online enquiry form