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Child performance licences

Children taking part in performance or entertainment activities must have a Child Performance Licence which is issued by the local authority where the child resides.

Performance and entertainment activities can include:

  • Performing on stage or in another public setting
  • Appearing in a TV show or film
  • Modelling

Who needs a licence

A licence is required if:

  • Payment is being received for the performance to the child/family
  • If the performance is taking place on licensed premises or the audience is paying to see the performance
  • The child needs to be absent from school to take part in the performance
  • The child has performed (whether licensed or not) in the last six months

How to apply for a performance licence

You need to submit the application form and all required information 10 working days before the licence is required.

Complete part 1 and part 2 of the application form which must be signed by both parent and applicant.

  • Provide a head shot photo
  • Provide a scanned copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport
  • Provide complete details of the application – exact dates/times/venues and what the child will be doing
  • Provide a full risk assessment
  • Confirm the welfare and education arrangements for the child
  • Provide a copy of your organisation’s child protection policy
  • Confirm who will be chaperoning. If licensed chaperones are being used please also send over scanned images of all involved licensed chaperones licences
  • School permission letter or email if missing school

Please send completed performance licence application and requested documents above to ce@bexley.gov.uk with 10 working days notice.

We aim to process applications within ten clear working days. If an application is incomplete or we require more information from you then this will delay your application.

Rules around applying for a performance licence

  • The person responsible for the production or performance must apply for the Performance Licence
  • Part One must be completed by the applicant and Part Two must be completed by the parent. The application must be signed by both parent and applicant
  • A Performance Licence is required for children of school age – which means up to the end of the academic year in which the child turns 16.
  • A licence is not needed if a school or other education provider arranges the performances.
  • There are strict guidelines on the hours and days a child can perform.

Age 0 to 4 restrictions:

  • Maximum time at venue is 5 hours
  • Maximum performance time is 2 hours
  • Maximum continuous time without a break is 30 minutes
  • Earliest start time is 7am and latest finish time is 10pm

Age 5 to 9 restrictions:

  • Maximum time at venue is 8 hours
  • Maximum performance time is 3 hours
  • Maximum continuous time without a break is 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Earliest start time is 7am and latest finish time is 11pm

Age 10 to 18 restrictions:

  • Maximum time at venue is 9.5 hours
  • Maximum performance time is 5 hours
  • Maximum continuous time without a break is 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Earliest start time is 7am and latest finish time is 11pm

If you have concerns about the welfare of a child during a performance or activity:

Body of persons approval (BOPA)

A Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) is a licence issued that allows an organization to engage children in public performances without the need for individual performance licences for each performing child. A BOPA is subject to strict criteria and as with individual performance licence applications an organisation will need to demonstrate they have clear safeguarding policies and arrangements in place to protect children taking part in a performance. Such arrangements and the rules below will allow a decision to be made as to whether a BOPA can be issued in each circumstance.

For a BOPA to be considered:

  • Please email in full details of performance to ce@bexley.gov.uk in order we can review a BOPA’s suitability.
  • If satisfied criteria is met, BOPA documents will be emailed out to applicants on an individual basis.

Further information