Children in entertainment and employment

Child performance licensing

Havering require a minimum of 5 clear working days to process any licence application and we must have all relevant documents within this period.

Each consideration will be made on a case by case basis and will be subject to strict risk assessment.

Any licence issued will be subject to revocation should future government updates indicate the type of performance would represent a risk to the child.

When is a licence needed?

Any child from birth to the end of compulsory school age taking part in a performance, which can include TV or filming, theatre, sporting activity or modelling, needs a performance licence (except in certain circumstances).

A licence is always required if the child receives payment for the performance.

A licence is also required if the performance requires absence from school, even if the assignment is unpaid.

A licence is not required if the performance is unpaid and no school absence is required and the performance lasts for four days or fewer and the child has not performed within the previous six months.

Details

Unless night work is involved, subject to school approval for any absence required, there is no limit on the number of days on which a child may perform.

A child's head or class teacher will judge whether time out of school will hamper their academic progress and must produce a written statement to appeal against the issue of a licence 

The child will need to be chaperoned at all times. This may be by the child's own parent or by a registered chaperone hired by the applicant

Documents you will need

You will need to attach the following required documents when you email the Child Employment Officer. Please ensure you have these completed before submitting your application.

  1. A copy of the child’s birth certificate
  2. A headshot photograph of the child taken during the last 6 months
  3. A letter of authorisation from the child’s school (if required)
  4. A copy of the applicant’s child protection / safeguarding policy including Covid 19 measures in place
  5. A copy of the location Risk Assessment

Apply

Child performance application

For further information, on performance licences for children, please contact:

Childemployment@havering.gov.uk

Child performance and activities licensing legislation in England