Children and Young Persons Act 1963, s.37. The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014
Performances
Is a licence required?
Generally the answer is yes but there are some exceptions. A child may perform without a licence for up to four days, but only if:
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it is unpaid
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the child will not miss any school
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the child has not performed in the previous six months
Who applies for the licence?
- Performances - Person responsible for production.
- Modelling - Person who proposes to engage the child.
- Paid Sporting - Person responsible Activity for organising the event.
When must the licence application be made?
You should submit your application no less than 21 days before the performance is due to take place. If you make a licence is request at short notice, we will make every effort will to oblige but we cannot guarantee authorisation.
If the production consists of more than one child performer, please ensure that each application is submitted in a separate individual email.
Apply for a Performance Licence
Summary of the regulations
Education/Health
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the child's education and health will not suffer
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the place of performance/rehearsal is satisfactory
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you will observe the conditions of the licence
Medical examinations
Daily restrictions - general
- One performance/rehearsal on any full day a child attends school
- A child must not perform for the maximum number of days in the week for more than 8 consecutive weeks without an interval of 2 weeks
- There must be an interval of 1½ hours between two performances/rehearsals in the same day (may be varied in certain circumstances)
Daily restrictions - stage performances
A child may not perform for more than 6 days in any week
Earliest and latest times:
- Under 13 years - 10.00am and 10.00pm*
- Over 13 years - 10.00am and 10.30pm*
- *Or ½ hour after last appearance, whichever is the earlier. (May be varied in certain circumstances)
- An interval of 14 hours must elapse between a child leaving and arriving at the theatre (unless for private tuition)
- Daily restriction - stage performances (Contd.)
- Length of performances must not exceed 3½ hours and child's part must not exceed 2½ hours
Daily restrictions - film / broadcast performances
- A child cannot be at place of performance/rehearsal for more than 5 days in any one week
- A child may take part only in performances of the same nature on the same day
There are specific conditions regarding rest and meal breaks depending on time at place of performance and age of the child.
Chaperone
How to apply to become a chaperone
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Reference - you will need to give the names of two referees
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Security - your permission will be requested to conduct a check with police records
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Interview - a brief, informal interview.
A young person is of compulsory school age until the last Friday in June in the school year in which they reach the age of sixteen years.
Note: These are guidelines only. If you require more detailed information please contact the Child Employment and Performance Officer.
Need help?
Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.
- Child Employment and Performance Officer
- Together for Families
St Austell Information Centre
39 Penwinnick Road
St Austell
PL25 5DR - 01872 323400
- educationwelfare@cornwall.gov.uk