Standard child performance and activities licence

If you're a running an event where a child will be performing, you must apply for a child performance licence.

Check if you need a licence

You'll need to check if the child will:

  • be paid or unpaid
  • be absent from school
  • need a medical certificate

Absence from school

The child may not be given leave of absence to undertake employment, except in accordance with the licence. The Act and Regulations contain no provision under which absence from school may be authorised for an unlicensed performance.

TV or filming

Check if you need a licence if the performance involves TV or filming work.

Paid or unpaid work School absence Length of performance Medical Licence
Paid Yes Any period of time Yes - unless one provided within previous 6 months Yes
Paid No Any period of time Yes - unless one provided within previous 6 months Yes
Unpaid Yes Any period of time Yes - unless one provided within previous 6 months Yes
Unpaid No Any period of time up to and including 4 days (and not performed within the previous 6 months) No No
Unpaid No 5 days or more Yes unless one provided within previous 6 months Yes

Medical certificates requirements for TV or filming performances

If the child wishing to take part in licensed performances in any television or film work, regardless of any number of days or half days under the conditions of the licence.

For broadcast performances, such as radio productions, a child can perform on up to and including 6 days in a six month period without the need for a medical.

Theatre, sporting activity or modelling

Check if you need a licence if the performance involves theatre, sporting activities or modelling.

Paid or unpaid work School absence Length of performance Medical Licence
Paid Yes Any period of time No Yes
Paid No Any period of time No Yes
Unpaid Yes Any period of time up to and including 4 days (and not performed within the previous 6 months) No Yes
Unpaid No Any period of time up to and including 4 days (and not performed within the previous 6 months) No No
Unpaid  No 5 days or more Possibly Yes
Unpaid No 5 days or more Possibly Yes

Medical certificates requirements for theatre, sporting activity or modelling

For sporting activities and modelling, where the application is for a licence for an activity, a statement by the child's parent that the child is medically fit for the proposed activity must be provided with the original application.

For other performances such as theatre work, if the child takes part on the maximum number of days in the week allowed, for example 6 days, and the performances are required for more than one week, a medical certificate will be required. Any costs incurred with obtaining medical certificates are generally accepted as being met by the body responsible for the production.