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Apply for a child performance licence

Many children enjoy performing, whether in plays, films, advertising or on television and parents enjoy supporting them. However, laws exist which are designed to protect children's welfare and prevent them from being exploited.

All children who perform in television, film, on stage, who work as models, or who take part in paid or professional sport, will require a licence issued by their local authority if:

  • a charge is made, whether for admission or otherwise
  • the performance takes place on licensed premises, for example in a hotel, a pub or a theatre
  • the performance is a live broadcast, for example a television or radio broadcast
  • the performance is to be broadcast to the public or is being recorded for public viewing
  • for children taking part in sport or modelling for which payment is being made

A child does not need a licence if:

  • The performance is under arrangements made by a school. (An educational institution that provides primary and/or secondary education.)
  • A Body Of Approval Arrangement (BOPA) has been granted by the Local Authority to the organiser/producer

Exemptions under the ‘four day rule’ apply where:

  1. No payment, in respect of the child taking part in the performance, is made and
  2. They do not need time off school to undertake the performance and
  3. They perform for only four days in any six-month period

The law applies to all children from birth until completion of compulsory school age.

Further guidance regarding when a licence is required: Child Performance Licences - guide to requirements  (PDF, 206 KB)

All children who perform in television, film, on stage, who work as models, or who take part in paid or professional sport, will require a licence issued by their local authority if:

  • a charge is made, whether for admission or otherwise
  • the performance takes place on licensed premises, for example in a hotel, a pub or a theatre
  • the performance is a live broadcast, for example a television or radio broadcast
  • the performance is to be broadcast to the public or is being recorded for public viewing
  • for children taking part in sport or modelling for which payment is being made

A child does not need a licence if:

  • The performance is under arrangements made by a school. (An educational institution that provides primary and/or secondary education.)
  • A Body Of Approval Arrangement (BOPA) has been granted by the Local Authority to the organiser/producer

Exemptions under the ‘four day rule’ apply where:

  1. No payment, in respect of the child taking part in the performance, is made and
  2. They do not need time off school to undertake the performance and
  3. They perform for only four days in any six-month period

The law applies to all children from birth until completion of compulsory school age.

Further guidance regarding when a licence is required: Child Performance Licences - guide to requirements  (PDF, 206 KB)

A licence will only be issued if we are satisfied that:

  1. the child's health will not suffer and
  2. the child's education will not suffer (a licence is required if the performance requires absence from school, even if the assignment is unpaid) and
  3. the place of performance/rehearsal is satisfactory and
  4. the child will be chaperoned at all times (this can be the child's own parent or a registered chaperone hired by the applicant) and
  5. the conditions of the licence will be observed.

When a performance requires an absence from school, the Local Authority will need a letter from the Head Teacher, of the child's school, confirming the child's education will not suffer if a licence is granted. A licence will not be issued without the school's permission.

It is essential that  a child performance licence is obtained before the performance takes place, therefore we ask for the application to be sent to us at least 21 days before the show/performance is due to start.

Applications received with less than 21 days’ notice may be refused (please note that we need to be in receipt of all paperwork in order to commence the processing of a performance licence).

It is a legal requirement that the licence applicant is the person responsible for the production in which the child is to take part. This does not include those who provide children for a production, such as the proprietor of a drama, dance school or an agent.

The application must be made on the standard Performance Application Form : 

A licence will only be issued if we are satisfied that:

  1. the child's health will not suffer and
  2. the child's education will not suffer (a licence is required if the performance requires absence from school, even if the assignment is unpaid) and
  3. the place of performance/rehearsal is satisfactory and
  4. the child will be chaperoned at all times (this can be the child's own parent or a registered chaperone hired by the applicant) and
  5. the conditions of the licence will be observed.

When a performance requires an absence from school, the Local Authority will need a letter from the Head Teacher, of the child's school, confirming the child's education will not suffer if a licence is granted. A licence will not be issued without the school's permission.

It is essential that  a child performance licence is obtained before the performance takes place, therefore we ask for the application to be sent to us at least 21 days before the show/performance is due to start.

Applications received with less than 21 days’ notice may be refused (please note that we need to be in receipt of all paperwork in order to commence the processing of a performance licence).

It is a legal requirement that the licence applicant is the person responsible for the production in which the child is to take part. This does not include those who provide children for a production, such as the proprietor of a drama, dance school or an agent.

The application must be made on the standard Performance Application Form : 

Want to Become a Licensed Chaperone?

If you’re passionate about supporting children in performances, rehearsals, or activities, you could become a licensed chaperone.

What Does a Chaperone Do?

A licensed chaperone is approved by the Local Authority to:

  • Have care and control of the child
  • Safeguard, support, and promote the child’s wellbeing
  • Supervise the child during performances, rehearsals, or while living away from home under a performance licence
  • Have responsibility for ensuring that children perform in line with the child performance regulations

Who Can Apply?

To apply, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Live in Gloucestershire
  • Apply through your home local authority, even if the work is in Gloucestershire

·        This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and the completion of a successful interview

 

What You Must Do Before the Interview

To move forward with your application, you must complete the following before your interview:

  1. Online Safeguarding Training – This is mandatory and must be completed in advance
  2. Read and understand the Chaperone Guidance Booklet – This outlines your responsibilities and expectations

The Application Process

Here’s what the Local Authority will check as part of your application:

  •  Enhanced DBS Check
  •  Application Form (with two verifiable references)
  • Online Safeguarding Training (must be completed before interview)
  • Chaperone Training Booklet (must be read before interview)
  • 1:1 Interview

·        Upon completion of a successful interview you will be required to attend Shire Hall to collect your Chaperone Licence (unless your DBS is currently registered for the update service)

 

Please note, we operate a Safer Recruitment process so references will be sought ahead of interview. Please ensure your referees are aware at the time of application. We are unable to accept references from friends or family.

If you require any assistance with the process, please contact us.

Chaperone Guidance Pack (DOCX, 1004.7 KB)

Chaperone Application Form 

GCC Safeguarding Training Important: For joining instructions, please see the Chaperone Guidance Pack. Complete your details and under organisation unit, select GCC chaperone. Selecting any other role may prevent you accessing the correct course.

 

Want to Become a Licensed Chaperone?

If you’re passionate about supporting children in performances, rehearsals, or activities, you could become a licensed chaperone.

What Does a Chaperone Do?

A licensed chaperone is approved by the Local Authority to:

  • Have care and control of the child
  • Safeguard, support, and promote the child’s wellbeing
  • Supervise the child during performances, rehearsals, or while living away from home under a performance licence
  • Have responsibility for ensuring that children perform in line with the child performance regulations

Who Can Apply?

To apply, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Live in Gloucestershire
  • Apply through your home local authority, even if the work is in Gloucestershire

·        This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and the completion of a successful interview

 

What You Must Do Before the Interview

To move forward with your application, you must complete the following before your interview:

  1. Online Safeguarding Training – This is mandatory and must be completed in advance
  2. Read and understand the Chaperone Guidance Booklet – This outlines your responsibilities and expectations

The Application Process

Here’s what the Local Authority will check as part of your application:

  •  Enhanced DBS Check
  •  Application Form (with two verifiable references)
  • Online Safeguarding Training (must be completed before interview)
  • Chaperone Training Booklet (must be read before interview)
  • 1:1 Interview

·        Upon completion of a successful interview you will be required to attend Shire Hall to collect your Chaperone Licence (unless your DBS is currently registered for the update service)

 

Please note, we operate a Safer Recruitment process so references will be sought ahead of interview. Please ensure your referees are aware at the time of application. We are unable to accept references from friends or family.

If you require any assistance with the process, please contact us.

Chaperone Guidance Pack (DOCX, 1004.7 KB)

Chaperone Application Form 

GCC Safeguarding Training Important: For joining instructions, please see the Chaperone Guidance Pack. Complete your details and under organisation unit, select GCC chaperone. Selecting any other role may prevent you accessing the correct course.

 

The Local Authority has discretion to issue a BOPA to any organisation responsible for putting on performances.

What is a BOPA?

The Local Authority has discretion to issue a BOPA to any organisation responsible for putting on performances. The granting of BOPA to an organisation replaces the need to apply for individual licenses from each child’s home local authority during the period of approval – as long as the BOPA criteria and conditions continue to be fulfilled. A BOPA can be revoked if the organisation fails to meet the agreed conditions

A BOPA does not authorise absence from school for any children involved in performances.

It is essential to understand that a BOPA is not a means to ‘getting round’ the requirements of a performance licence. Whilst a BOPA does reduce some of the administrative requirements, the same principles apply in terms of safeguarding the child and ensuring there is proper provision to secure health and kind treatment. BOPA’s issued by Gloucestershire County Council clearly set out the conditions which are a requirement.  There must be no reduction in safeguarding arrangements and unannounced site inspections will be carried out to ensure the conditions of the BOPA are being met.

Who can apply for a BOPA?

The organisation who has responsibility for putting on the performance, and for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children taking part must make the application. This can be type of organisation, as long as no payment (other than expenses) is made for the child/children to take part.

Licensing officers will require evidence and assurance that the organisation has clear, robust and well-embedded policies for safeguarding children. 

Applicants will:

  • normally have complied with the licensing provisions for a 2 year period or have conducted two properly licensed performances involving children. Evidence of this must be available including evidence of site visits.
  • satisfy all the legislative requirements that would normally apply to an individual licence
  • have a designated child protection/safeguarding officer
  • have a regularly updated (every 12 months) child protection policy together with details of how this is communicated and followed.
  • have evidence of any child protection/safeguarding training provided
  • have procedures for checking the suitability of persons who will have responsibility for children
  • provide additional information as requested including child protection policy, risk assessments, schedule of events.

How to apply for a BOPA?

Applications for a BOPA must be made in advance of any performances. The process for approval for a BOPA takes a minimum of 4 weeks but may take longer dependent of individual organisations circumstances

Organisations wishing to apply for a BOPA should contact the Education Inclusion Service at Childemployment@gloucestershire.gov.uk  to discuss their request with a licensing officer.

  • If following the initial discussion it is agreed to take the application forward then the organiser need to complete an application form and contract of agreement as well as supply required policies and procedural documentation.
  • Licensing officers will then meet the organisers to discuss their arrangements, child protection policy and expected schedule of events.

If, following this process a BOPA is approved the organisation will receive a letter of acceptance and a BOPA Certificate. Both documents must be made available to officers during unannounced site visits.

If the local authority decides not to grant a BOPA, the licensing officer will write to the organisation outlining the reasons for the refusal.

Performances under a BOPA

The local authority can issue a BOPA for one event or for a series of events in a specified time period – normally up to one year.

If satisfied with the proposed arrangements the Licensing officers will authorise the form and return to applicant. This documentation must be made available to licensing officers during any unannounced inspection.

Where a performance is taking place under the auspices of a BOPA the legislation does not require that the child be supervised by a chaperone approved by the local authority. However, the local authority would have to be certain the organisation has clear procedures for carrying out background checks and suitability checks on the adults who will be caring for the children before it grants a BOPA. The Local Authority can impose additional conditions depending on the individual circumstances of the performance and therefore may include a condition to use LA authorised chaperones if required.

If approval is given for a set time period; then organisations must provide information on each performance using:

The Local Authority has discretion to issue a BOPA to any organisation responsible for putting on performances.

What is a BOPA?

The Local Authority has discretion to issue a BOPA to any organisation responsible for putting on performances. The granting of BOPA to an organisation replaces the need to apply for individual licenses from each child’s home local authority during the period of approval – as long as the BOPA criteria and conditions continue to be fulfilled. A BOPA can be revoked if the organisation fails to meet the agreed conditions

A BOPA does not authorise absence from school for any children involved in performances.

It is essential to understand that a BOPA is not a means to ‘getting round’ the requirements of a performance licence. Whilst a BOPA does reduce some of the administrative requirements, the same principles apply in terms of safeguarding the child and ensuring there is proper provision to secure health and kind treatment. BOPA’s issued by Gloucestershire County Council clearly set out the conditions which are a requirement.  There must be no reduction in safeguarding arrangements and unannounced site inspections will be carried out to ensure the conditions of the BOPA are being met.

Who can apply for a BOPA?

The organisation who has responsibility for putting on the performance, and for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children taking part must make the application. This can be type of organisation, as long as no payment (other than expenses) is made for the child/children to take part.

Licensing officers will require evidence and assurance that the organisation has clear, robust and well-embedded policies for safeguarding children. 

Applicants will:

  • normally have complied with the licensing provisions for a 2 year period or have conducted two properly licensed performances involving children. Evidence of this must be available including evidence of site visits.
  • satisfy all the legislative requirements that would normally apply to an individual licence
  • have a designated child protection/safeguarding officer
  • have a regularly updated (every 12 months) child protection policy together with details of how this is communicated and followed.
  • have evidence of any child protection/safeguarding training provided
  • have procedures for checking the suitability of persons who will have responsibility for children
  • provide additional information as requested including child protection policy, risk assessments, schedule of events.

How to apply for a BOPA?

Applications for a BOPA must be made in advance of any performances. The process for approval for a BOPA takes a minimum of 4 weeks but may take longer dependent of individual organisations circumstances

Organisations wishing to apply for a BOPA should contact the Education Inclusion Service at Childemployment@gloucestershire.gov.uk  to discuss their request with a licensing officer.

  • If following the initial discussion it is agreed to take the application forward then the organiser need to complete an application form and contract of agreement as well as supply required policies and procedural documentation.
  • Licensing officers will then meet the organisers to discuss their arrangements, child protection policy and expected schedule of events.

If, following this process a BOPA is approved the organisation will receive a letter of acceptance and a BOPA Certificate. Both documents must be made available to officers during unannounced site visits.

If the local authority decides not to grant a BOPA, the licensing officer will write to the organisation outlining the reasons for the refusal.

Performances under a BOPA

The local authority can issue a BOPA for one event or for a series of events in a specified time period – normally up to one year.

If satisfied with the proposed arrangements the Licensing officers will authorise the form and return to applicant. This documentation must be made available to licensing officers during any unannounced inspection.

Where a performance is taking place under the auspices of a BOPA the legislation does not require that the child be supervised by a chaperone approved by the local authority. However, the local authority would have to be certain the organisation has clear procedures for carrying out background checks and suitability checks on the adults who will be caring for the children before it grants a BOPA. The Local Authority can impose additional conditions depending on the individual circumstances of the performance and therefore may include a condition to use LA authorised chaperones if required.

If approval is given for a set time period; then organisations must provide information on each performance using:

The Local Authority has responsibility for enforcement of the licensing requirements and has a number of powers (section28 1933 Act) to carry out inspections to ensure a child’s welfare is maintained.

  • Licensing officers can carry out inspections at venues and locations within the local authority boundary. They cannot carry out inspections in other authorities.
  • Gloucestershire County Council Licensing officers may also undertake site visits when children from other local authorities are performing in Gloucestershire.

Licencing Officers from Gloucestershire County Council carry out random unannounced site inspections covering the whole range of performance types. Visits take place at any time of day covering seven days a week. Site visits take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours on average. If significant concerns arise a visit may take longer.

The Local Authority has responsibility for enforcement of the licensing requirements and has a number of powers (section28 1933 Act) to carry out inspections to ensure a child’s welfare is maintained.

  • Licensing officers can carry out inspections at venues and locations within the local authority boundary. They cannot carry out inspections in other authorities.
  • Gloucestershire County Council Licensing officers may also undertake site visits when children from other local authorities are performing in Gloucestershire.

Licencing Officers from Gloucestershire County Council carry out random unannounced site inspections covering the whole range of performance types. Visits take place at any time of day covering seven days a week. Site visits take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours on average. If significant concerns arise a visit may take longer.

childemp@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Telephone: 01452 427868

Or post it to:

Education Inclusion Service
Gloucestershire County Council
3rd Floor, Block 4
Shire Hall
Westgate Street
Gloucester GL1 2TP

childemp@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Telephone: 01452 427868

Or post it to:

Education Inclusion Service
Gloucestershire County Council
3rd Floor, Block 4
Shire Hall
Westgate Street
Gloucester GL1 2TP

How do I know if I need to apply for a performance licence?  We have a flow chart to guide you gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/b51neua2/child-performance-licences-guide-to-requirements.pdf 
Who should apply for a performance licence?  The producer of the performance should apply. We cannot accept applications made by agents or parents. 
Do I need a performance licence to perform in a competition? 

Yes. Competitions are included in the regulations and so will require relevant licensing.
Does my 17 year old require a performance licence?  No. Performance licences are only required until the last Friday in June in the year in which a child turns 16 (usually at the end of Year 11). 

My child has finished year 11 but isn't 16 until August, do they need a permit?

No. August born children still stop being compulsory school age at the end of June so will not require a performance licence.
Can a passport be submitted instead of a birth certificate as ID for a child?  Yes, current passports can be accepted where a birth certificate is not available. 
My child is performing in Gloucestershire but we live in an another county, to who should the licence application go? Performance licences must be applied for to the Local Authority where the child lives, not where the performance is taking place. 
What is the shortest turnaround time for performance licences?  Complete applications should be submitted no less than 10 days before the first performance. However, best practice is to submit applications no less than 21 days ahead of the performance  
Will you accept partial applications?  We can only consider complete applications. Applications will not be processed until all information is submitted. This must be no fewer than 10 days ahead of the performance. This must include school absence permission, if applicable. 
Can a school decline to authorise absence from school to take part in a performance? 

Schools should be sympathetic to requests for  absence for performances, as long as the school remains satisfied that this will not have a negative effect on a pupil’s education.  

Should they have concerns the Local Authority will consider these when deciding whether to issue a licence. 
Do I need a licence to perform abroad?  Yes, however these are not issued by the Local Authority but by the Magistrate’s court. 
Do you issue open licences?  We will consider applications for open licences. This must be for applications by the same producer. E.g. 5 days filming in a 2 week period. We do not issue open licences with multiple producers e.g. modelling sessions over a 6 month period for different companies. 
Can grandparents or a family member other than parents chaperone a child? 

Children with a performance licence can only be supervised by their parent, regular school teacher or a Local Authority Licensed Chaperone.  

Grandparents and other family members cannot supervise children unless they are licensed chaperones.  
What should I do if I have a concern about a performance? 

If you have safeguarding concerns about a child please ring the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01452 426565. If a child is in immediate danger ring 999. 

Otherwise you can contact the CIEE team on 01452 427 868 or childemp@gloucestershire.gov.uk 
How do I know if I need to apply for a performance licence?  We have a flow chart to guide you gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/b51neua2/child-performance-licences-guide-to-requirements.pdf 
Who should apply for a performance licence?  The producer of the performance should apply. We cannot accept applications made by agents or parents. 
Do I need a performance licence to perform in a competition? 

Yes. Competitions are included in the regulations and so will require relevant licensing.
Does my 17 year old require a performance licence?  No. Performance licences are only required until the last Friday in June in the year in which a child turns 16 (usually at the end of Year 11). 

My child has finished year 11 but isn't 16 until August, do they need a permit?

No. August born children still stop being compulsory school age at the end of June so will not require a performance licence.
Can a passport be submitted instead of a birth certificate as ID for a child?  Yes, current passports can be accepted where a birth certificate is not available. 
My child is performing in Gloucestershire but we live in an another county, to who should the licence application go? Performance licences must be applied for to the Local Authority where the child lives, not where the performance is taking place. 
What is the shortest turnaround time for performance licences?  Complete applications should be submitted no less than 10 days before the first performance. However, best practice is to submit applications no less than 21 days ahead of the performance  
Will you accept partial applications?  We can only consider complete applications. Applications will not be processed until all information is submitted. This must be no fewer than 10 days ahead of the performance. This must include school absence permission, if applicable. 
Can a school decline to authorise absence from school to take part in a performance? 

Schools should be sympathetic to requests for  absence for performances, as long as the school remains satisfied that this will not have a negative effect on a pupil’s education.  

Should they have concerns the Local Authority will consider these when deciding whether to issue a licence. 
Do I need a licence to perform abroad?  Yes, however these are not issued by the Local Authority but by the Magistrate’s court. 
Do you issue open licences?  We will consider applications for open licences. This must be for applications by the same producer. E.g. 5 days filming in a 2 week period. We do not issue open licences with multiple producers e.g. modelling sessions over a 6 month period for different companies. 
Can grandparents or a family member other than parents chaperone a child? 

Children with a performance licence can only be supervised by their parent, regular school teacher or a Local Authority Licensed Chaperone.  

Grandparents and other family members cannot supervise children unless they are licensed chaperones.  
What should I do if I have a concern about a performance? 

If you have safeguarding concerns about a child please ring the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01452 426565. If a child is in immediate danger ring 999. 

Otherwise you can contact the CIEE team on 01452 427 868 or childemp@gloucestershire.gov.uk 
How to I renew my chaperone licence?  

You will need to apply for a new chaperone licence via the chaperone tab. 

This will allow you to update your safeguarding training and update your DBS check.
How long does my chaperone licence last?   Chaperone licences last for 3 years.  
How long does it take to get my chaperone licence?    It is difficult to say how long the process will take as it is dependent on receiving references ahead of interview. It is important to ensure your referees are aware that they will be contacted.  
 What is Safer Recruitment and why is this used for chaperone licences?  Safer recruitment is a set of practices designed to ensure that staff and volunteers working with vulnerable groups, including children and young people, are suitable for their roles. It aims to create a safe and positive environment and prevent harm. Safer recruitment | NSPCC Learning  
I've lost the link to pay for my chaperone licence, how do I pay? If you have completed your interview payment can be made here: 

Chaperone Licence Payment 
 Will you remind me when my licence expires?  Unfortunately, we are unable to send reminders to renew chaperone licences, you will need to keep track of this.   
I’ve lost my chaperone licence, can I get a replacement?   Yes, please contact us directly and we will arrange a replacement with you.   
 How much does a chaperone licence cost?

The cost of a volunteer licence is £20

For professional chaperones it is £60
How to I renew my chaperone licence?  

You will need to apply for a new chaperone licence via the chaperone tab. 

This will allow you to update your safeguarding training and update your DBS check.
How long does my chaperone licence last?   Chaperone licences last for 3 years.  
How long does it take to get my chaperone licence?    It is difficult to say how long the process will take as it is dependent on receiving references ahead of interview. It is important to ensure your referees are aware that they will be contacted.  
 What is Safer Recruitment and why is this used for chaperone licences?  Safer recruitment is a set of practices designed to ensure that staff and volunteers working with vulnerable groups, including children and young people, are suitable for their roles. It aims to create a safe and positive environment and prevent harm. Safer recruitment | NSPCC Learning  
I've lost the link to pay for my chaperone licence, how do I pay? If you have completed your interview payment can be made here: 

Chaperone Licence Payment 
 Will you remind me when my licence expires?  Unfortunately, we are unable to send reminders to renew chaperone licences, you will need to keep track of this.   
I’ve lost my chaperone licence, can I get a replacement?   Yes, please contact us directly and we will arrange a replacement with you.   
 How much does a chaperone licence cost?

The cost of a volunteer licence is £20

For professional chaperones it is £60