Child Performance Licence
Essential Info
Generally speaking, children under 16 need a Child Performance Licence from their local council for paid or unpaid media work.
This includes acting, singing, dancing, modelling and other performance work. Read the government guidelines below.
The law ensures that a child’s well-being, education, and health are protected while working in the entertainment industry.
There are exceptions, including some school plays and amateur theatrical productions.
Who applies for the licence?
The production company is responsible for ensuring that an application is submitted. It will often ask the child's agent to apply on its behalf.
The parent is not responsible for submitting the production's application.
Licence Paperwork
A licence application form should be downloaded from the child's local council. Each local council applies the government guidelines in slightly different ways so it is worth having a quick Google to check what their precise requirements are.
Production - The Paperwork
- Part 1 of the Child Performance Licence application must be completed
- A child protection policy
- A risk assessment of the shoot venue
Parents - The Paperwork
- Part 2 of the licence application must be completed
- A clear head-and-shoulders photograph of your child
- A copy of the birth certificate
- A school absence letter, if applicable
How Long Does a CPL Take?
Government guidelines state that 21 days should be allowed. In practice the majority of councils will issue a licence within 10 working days from receipt of the correct paperwork.
A small number of councils can issue licences within a couple of days of receiving the paperwork.
Our best advice for production/CDs
Allow at least two weeks for a licence to be issued. Remember that production teams and parents normally need a further two or three days to gather the paperwork.
How We Can Help Production/CDs
We can apply for a child performance licence on your behalf.
We are experienced at getting the paperwork together and deal with local councils on a regular basis.
A charge of £50 is made to production for each licence we process.
If you need help getting a Child Protection Policy together or need help with the Venue Risk Assessment, we have templates on file which can be easily adapted to suit your needs.
Hours A Child Can Work
There are strict regulations governing the number of hours a child can work, designed to protect their health, education, and welfare.
These rules vary based on the child’s age, as well as the type of performance work they are engaged in.
Below is a general breakdown of the allowed working hours for children in the UK:
Conclusion
In summary, any child under 16 who wants to participate in any type of media performance, paid or unpaid, must have a valid performance licence.
The production company is responsible for obtaining this licence, though they can appoint an agency or representative to manage the application process.
By following working-hours guidance and prioritising the child’s education and well-being, productions can comply with UK labour laws and provide a safe, supportive environment for young performers.
Recent Commercials
Johnson's Ad £20K+
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A very well paid ad which attracted a large buyout fee
Health Care Ad £12K+
An ad for US healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente.
This ad also went out across the states and was highly paid
Ready for the next step?
Start your child’s application
Apply online or contact the MA4B team for friendly, straightforward guidance.