Apply for a child performance licence

You will need a licence if you want a child to perform on stage, in television, film or commercials or to work in professional sport or as a model. This applies to children from birth to compulsory school leaving age.

The person responsible for the performance and the parent should both complete and sign an application form:

You will also need to provide:

• proof of the child's date of birth

• a digital photograph of the child taken within the last 6 months (head and shoulders only)

• a copy of the contract (if issued)

• a letter giving permission for absence from school (if applicable)

• a risk assessment

• a signed and dated safeguarding policy

Email completed forms and accompanying information to: childlicensing@lancashire.gov.uk.

A licence will not be granted unless the council is satisfied that the child is fit to take part in a performance, that their education will not suffer and that proper supervision has been made to secure their health, comfort and kind treatment.

In certain circumstances an exemption from the licensing process may be possible. Where a child has not performed on more than four days including this performance in the last 6 months and is not being paid, the performance may be exempt.

Under these circumstance you should notify Lancashire County Council. The person responsible for the production should complete the following form and email it at least 28 days before the performance takes place to childlicensing@lancashire.gov.uk:

In certain circumstances Lancashire County Council may consider issuing a Body of Persons Approval to an organisation for performances involving children. This type of exemption may be appropriate providing no payment is being made to the child (or to anyone else), and the performance is taking place within Lancashire County Council boundaries.

Email completed forms and contracts to: childlicensing@lancashire.gov.uk giving at least 21 days' notice.

An approval will only be granted providing the above criteria are met and the council is satisfied the organisation has clear, robust and well embodied policies for safeguarding children. 

For further information regarding the child licensing process, please refer to the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment website.

If you have any questions contact the Child Employment and Entertainment Team:

Email: childlicensing@lancashire.gov.uk
Tel: 01772 531799