Child Performance License
Essiential Info
Generally speaking, for children under the age of 16 years, any paid or unpaid media project requires the issue of a Child Performance Licence by the child's local council.
This includes acting, singing, dancing, modelling, or any other form of performance work. Read the Government Guide Lines on the link below
The law ensures that a child’s well-being, education, and health are protected while working in the entertainment industry.
There are obviously exceptions. For example a school play or an amateur theatrical production.
Who applies for the License
It is the responsibility of production to ensure that a license is put in. They will often ask the childs' agent to apply on their behalf.
Note: It is never the parent who is responsible for applying.
License Paperwork
A license application form should be dowloaded from the child's local council. Each local counciil 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 Paper Work
- Part 1 of the child License Performance form must be filled out
- A child protection poilicy
- A risk assessment of the shoot venue
Parents - The Paper Work
- Part 2 of the License Application must be filled out
- A clear head and shoulders pic 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 license within 10 working days from receipt of the correct paperwork.
There are a very few exceptionally quick coiuncils who issue licenses within a couple of days of receipt of the paperwork
Our best advice for production/CDs
Allow a minimum of a least 2 weeks for a license to come through. Also remember, that it normally takes 2/3 days for production AND mums to get the paperwork together
How We Can Help Production/CDs
We can apply for a child performance license 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 license 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 license.
The production company is responsible for obtaining this license, though they can appoint an agency or representative to manage the application process.
By adhering to guidelines for working hours and prioritizing the child’s education and well-being, productions can ensure compliance with UK labor laws and provide a safe, supportive environment for young performers.
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