Children in entertainment
If a child under compulsory school leaving age performs in
either:
- Theatre where a charge is made
- Modelling and sport where the child or any other person is
paid a wage
- In licensed premises
A child performance licence must be obtained.
The local authority has a statutory responsibility to issue a
child performance licence for children who live in their area,
approve chaperones (matrons) and has the responsibility to inspect
any premises in their local authority area where children are or
may be performing. The local authority requires a child
to be licensed if absence from school is required for any
performance.
Exemptions are in place, for example:
- If the child has not performed in the previous 6 months
- Is performing under 4 days
- There is no absence from school,
- No payment is being made to the child except expenses
- The performance is under arrangements made by an educational
school or body of persons application
The licence applicant is also the licence holder. This person is
legally responsible for the child and ensuring that all relevant
parts of the acts and regulations are followed.
Broadcast performances cover films, TV, video - all performances
which will be broadcast. Non-broadcast performances cover: theatre,
modelling and sport activities. Modelling for adverts and
commercials would be classed as broadcast but stills modelling
would fall into non-broadcast performances.
Refusals
We may refuse to issue a licence if the performance is
believed to be detrimental to the health, care or education of the
child. They may acquire additional information from the
applicant before a licence is issued and in some cases may include
certain provisos or refuse a licence altogether. They may also
revoke licences which are currently running if there are concerns
about the welfare of the particular child named in the
application.
Performance licences
The school attendance service is responsible for issuing
licences for children performing in entertainment, including film
and television, theatre, modelling and sports.
The person responsible for applying for the licence should be
the person responsible for the performance, usually the producer.
The form must be completed and signed by the parents and
accompanied by a passport style photograph, copy birth certificate
and medical certificate or declaration if required.
We must be satisfied with the arrangements made for the
supervision and protection of the child, and that disruption to the
child’s education is kept to a minimum.
The following key issues are covered by the
regulations:
- Is the child or young person below minimum school leaving
age?
- Do they reside in the Knowsley Council area?
- Is there a charge made for admission?
- Is it within licensed premises?
- Is it broadcast on television?
- Is it intended for filming?
- Is the child/young person fit to take part?
- Education; consultation with Headteacher if in school time
- Is the activity safe?
No licence is required in some particular circumstances to
confirm whether a licence is required please contact the
service. However, even though a licence is not required there
is a requirement for you to comply with the regulations of a
licensed performance.
Downloads
Chaperones and matrons
It is a legal requirement that school-age children, who are
taking part in a public performance, will need to be accompanied by
a registered matron or parent.
Regular inspections are undertaken by Knowsley School Attendance
Service without prior notice, at venues where children are
performing. The purpose of the inspection is to establish that the
children in the care of the matron are being properly cared for and
supervised.
Matrons must keep their registration certificate in a safe
place. They must have their certificate with them each day that
they are employed as a Matron, and have it available for
inspection.
Please see attachments to apply to become a matron or chaperone.
To apply to us for a chaperone licence you must reside in
Knowsley.
Downloads
