Child performance licences

Child employment

1. Child performance licences
2. Children's work permits

A child performance licence is needed for anyone aged 16 and under (up to and including the last Friday of their year 11) to take part in a performance or activity such as TV, dance and theatre.

The person responsible for the performance is required to complete part 1 and the parent/guardian of the young person is responsible for completing part 2.

You will need to provide ID documentation with all applications along with a recent colour photograph.

If time out of school is needed, you will need to provide either a:

• school permission letter with official letter head
• letter from the child's agent with an official school stamp

To apply,
download and complete the performance licence standard application form from the downloads section on NNCEE external link.

Email completed applications to
ASTLicensing@leeds.gov.uk. It takes 10 working days to check and process all performance licence applications.

Body of Persons Licence (BOPA)

A BOPA can be issued to some organisations putting on non-professional or amateur performances such as dance schools and drama groups that involve children under 16 who are not receiving payment or require time off school.

Licences are usually issued per performance, but can be given for a 12 month period.

Organisations wishing to apply for the BOPA will need to provide:

• a copy of their organisations child protection policy
• copies of their insurance documentation
• health safety and fire certificates (if the production is being held in a non-council building)

4 Day Exemption Licence

An exemption from a performance licence can be issued if:

• a child is not being paid to take part
• no other person is being paid for the child to take part, other than expenses
• will not be missing any school
• has not performed for more than 4 days in the last six months (including the current performance)

Chaperone Licence

Chaperones are employed (voluntary or paid) to supervise children during licensed performances.  We are responsible for making sure that chaperones are suitable and provide proper care for the children they are responsible for. This includes their health and wellbeing, safeguarding, welfare and the child licensing legislation.

If you are applying for a chaperone licence, you will need to:

• provide details of two referees (professional and character)
• attend an informal interview
• complete a DBS check (we will provide a link at time of application)

It costs £14.40 for a volunteer licence and £54.40 for a professional licence.  

Chaperone licences remain valid for 3 years.  It can take up to 12 weeks to complete all the required checks.

For more information about the requirements, visit:

• Performance licences for children and young people on GOV.UK
  External link
• Child Performance guidance by NNCEE, the National Network for Children in Employment and Education External link
• Children (performance and activities) (England) Regulations 2014 on legislation.gov.uk External link

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