Child Performance Regulation Guidelines
Regulations
Maximum number of hours at place of performance or rehearsal
0-4 Years
5 Hours
5-8 Years
8 Hours
9-16 Years
9.5 Hours
Earliest and latest permitted times at place of performance or rehearsal
7am to 10pm
7am to 11pm
7am to 11pm
Maximum period of continuous performance or rehearsal
30 Minutes
2.5 Hours
2.5 Hours
Maximum total hours of performance or rehearsal
2 Hours
3 Hours
5 Hours
Minimum intervals for meals and rest
Any breaks must be for a minimum of 15 minutes. If at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours, breaks must include at least one 45 minute meal break.
If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes
If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes.
If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes
If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes.
Education
N/A
3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less.
3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less.
Minimum break between performances
1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum consecutive days to take part in performance or rehearsal
6 Days
6 Days
6 Days
Local authorities should take note the licensing authority has the right to further restrict these permitted hours, breaks etc. and place additional conditions on the licence if this would be in the best interests of the individual child.
Licence Information
A child performance licence is required for all children of compulsory school age or younger, in the entertainment industry.
A licence is required when a child is confirmed for a job. A Licence is valid for one job only. It is a legal requirement and the clients responsibility to apply for a Child Performance Licence. The agency can help with licencing, for a fee of £30 per application.
Licence applications take between 1-21 days notice. The process time is at the council’s discretion.
The items below are required for each application;
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Part 1 of licence application form (client to complete)
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Part 2 of licence application form (parent to complete)
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School letter from the head teacher to authorise absence from school (parent to obtain)
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A passport photographs
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Copy of birth certificate or passport (parent to provide)
The link below will help you to establish which is local authority is needed:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-child-performance-licence
More information regarding child performance and regulations:
https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/performance-licences-for-children