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Children in entertainment and activities

Child performances and activities are regulated by The Children and Young Persons Acts 1933 and 1963 and the Children (Performance and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014.


Child performances and activities also include children taking part in modelling work and paid sport.

The performance licence guidance highlights that local authorities require 21 days' notice, from receipt of the fully completed application, to process a licence. Whilst we'll issue licences as quickly as possible, we can only guarantee the issue of a licence if the full application is received in time.

Licences to perform

All children who take part in public performances, from birth up to the last Friday in June of the school year in which they reach their 16th birthday, require a licence to perform.

A licence is required when:

  • there is an absence from school
  • money changes hands from the audience or in payment to the child or another person
  • a child performs for more than 4 days in any 6-month period
  • a child is employed in modelling or sporting activities

An exception can apply when:

  • no payment is being made to the child or another person, other than a contribution to expenses
  • there is no absence from school

The licensing authority

This is usually the local authority where the child lives.

Applications for the licence or exemption

The named person responsible for the production in which the child will take part applies for the licence. This person is known as the licence holder.

The applicant must submit all sections of the application form, together with the required documentation, before the application will be processed.

The child performance and activities licence application form is attached to this page.

Absence from school

If absence from school is required, then the actual dates of the performances and rehearsals are needed.

Where dates are unknown, the number of days and the period of the performance or activity must be given.

Rehearsals and the effect on a licence

Rehearsals taking place during the performance period will require a licence and count towards the number of days allowed.

If absence from school is required for the purpose of a rehearsal, this absence will need to be considered by the headteacher.

Chaperones for a child licenced to take part in a public performance

A child licenced to take part in a performance must be supervised by a licenced chaperone at all times, unless they are under the direct supervision of their own parent or a teacher from their school.

You can find out more about the role of chaperone or contact us, email cs.ewscee@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 532800.