To ensure that our children are not being exploited or overworked children's performances and activities are regulated by law:

• The Children & Young Persons Act
• The Children Performance Regulations
• The Children Protection at Work Regulations 1998 (for sporting events)

The general rule is that no child under school leaving age may take part in any type of performance unless licensed to do so by their local Council. Licences are granted when the Council is satisfied that the child's health, welfare and education will not suffer.

Exemptions

• A licence is not required for performances arranged by school, such as school plays.
• Amateur Societies can apply to the Council for an exemption certificate.

Performance and Activities Licences

Licences are issued by the Council, and cover all children, from birth until they reach official school leaving age. There are two types of licence (note: these do not cover participation in sporting events):

• A Performance Licence
• An Activities Licence

Whether the child needs an Activities Licence or a Performance Licence, the same two-part form is used (see 'Downloads'):

• Part One of the form is completed by the person responsible for the production, sporting event or modelling agency. All sections of the form must be completed.
  
  
• Part Two of the form must be filled in by the parent or guardian of the child. The parent must also ensure that they provide the relevant documentation:

• birth certificate
• two recent passport-sized photographs
• a completed health questionnaire or statement of fitness from the child's GP

Both parts of the application form and all documentation should then be sent to the Council at the address shown in Contact Education Welfare Service.

Modelling

Children can take part in modelling assignments from birth. They are usually registered with one or more modelling agencies. Each agency has the responsibility to apply for a licence for the child from the Council where the child lives.

A licence for children taking part in modelling is called An Activities Licence.

Television or Films

Children who are to be in films or a TV programme need a Performance Licence.

This applies no matter what they are on TV for, and whether or not any time off school is required.

Theatre, Music or Dance

Most children who take part in this type of performance will need a Performance Licence, unless they are a member of an amateur society and have been given an exemption.

So children who are in, for example, a large professional pantomime will need a licence, but those appearing in an amateur production probably will not.

Also, children who take part in an orchestra, or sing or dance in shows may need a licence.

A Performance Licence is definitely needed if the child will require time off school, is getting paid, or if the production they are in is for more than 4 days.

Again, if in doubt ASK!

Sporting Events

Children and Young People enjoy taking part in sport. Sport enhances health and well-being and builds confidence. Most children and young people take part in sport as a hobby in their own time.

However, some children excel in their chosen sport and may then be selected to participate in regional or national events.

Sports events whereby a child or young person is paid to participate or that require absence from school are regulated by national legislation. They will need a Sports licence to partake in the activity.

See 'Downloads' for a copy of the licence application and guidance notes

Chaperones (sometimes referred to as Matrons)

Chaperones are included under the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 and Children (Performance) Regulations 1968.

• Chaperones are employed to supervise children who are licensed by the Council to take part in performances.
• The person employing the chaperone is the licence holder, normally the producer of the entertainment the children are taking part in.
• The Council is responsible for ensuring that the chaperone is suitable and can exercise proper care or control of the children including their health, comfort, kind treatment and moral welfare.
• People applying to become chaperones must disclose any convictions and are subject to a police check (CRB check).

The law states that "the chaperone is acting in loco parentis (in place of the parents) and should exercise the care which a good parent might reasonably be expected to give that child". Children often work in an adult environment and the chaperone must take into account the child's age and experience, concentration span, and exposure to adult conversation and expectations.

The chaperone must be fully aware of health and safety issues and have a basic understanding of emergency first aid treatment. The chaperone must take action when a child is tired, ill or upset.

Chaperones must also be aware of bullying and child protection issues.

See 'Downloads' for a Chaperone application form.

Further information is available from the Child Employment/Licensing Officer on 01924 307449.