Child performance licence

A child performance licence is required for all working children in the entertainment industry. This licence is obtained from your local council for each job a child is confirmed for. We gather all the relevant paperwork from parents and the production company to then submit to the council. Some local authorities can complete a licence in 24 hours and some as long as 14 days

To obtain  child performance licence the following paperwork is required;

  • Part 1 of licence form (client to complete)
  • Part 2 of licence form (parent to complete)
  • Signed self certified medical declaration (parent to complete)
  • School letter from the head teacher to authorise the day from school (parent to obtain)
  • 2x passport photographs
  • Copy of birth certificate or passport

The above list of paperwork is then  presented to your local authority for the licence.

A school letter is required to if the work is during school hours and your child will be missing school time. A letter of authority is required from the school to agree to the absence.

You will only need to complete this application process when your child is offered the job as working dates need to be included on the application forms.
The licence is only valid for the one job, (unfortunately) the process is repeated every time.

Some local authorities will offer an open licence for the year. This therefore means that only the client needs to complete part one of the form for each job.

The following government link will put you in contact with your local authority: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-child-performance-licence

The following government link supplies more information regarding child performance and regulations that may be useful to read: https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/performance-licences-for-children

Here are a list of downloadable standard forms;


Child-Performance-Licence-Appication-Part-1
Child-Performance-Licence-Appication-Part-2
School-Letter

Please do not worry about obtaining a child performance licence,  we are here to guide you and help with forms!

Helpful links

Child performance licences are required for all children working within the media industry.

Clients and models can find useful help and advice regarding the regulations of child employment.

Legislations are in place to protect all child performers, please view the latest 2014 act here:

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/3309/contents/made 

National Network for Child Employment & Entertainment are the only National organisation solely dedicated to the continual development and implementation of ‘good practice’ issues for children engaged in employment and taking part in public performances.

http://www.nncee.org.uk/home

You can also find more advice on the government website, government guidance; Child performance and activities

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-performance-and-activities-licensing-legislation

Photographic and film rates of pay

Photographic model rates GUIDELINES ONLY

Babies 0 -3: £60 per hour

Children 4 – 8: £70 per hour

Children 9 – 13: £80 per hour

Teenagers: £84 per hour

Auditions: £18

Fittings: 1/2 hourly rate

Sizings: £25 per hour

2 hour minimum booking applies

Television/Commercial model rates

Babies and children 0 -4: £200 per day

Children 5 – 12: £225 per day

Teenagers: To be negotiated

Chaperone: £90

Recall: £50 per hour

Wardobe: £50 per hour

Extra: £80 – £100 per day

Rates of pay can vary from job to job. Model bookers will advise you of the rates of pay when contacting you for bookings. Please note that some clients may pay a reduced rate, this will be at your discretion if you want the job.

Lacara agency commission 25% for TV and 35% for stills. Commission is deducted from everything except transport costs.

Children’s working hours

Children aged 0-4 can perform for 5 hours

Children aged 5-8 can perform for 8 hours

Children aged 9 and over can perform for 9.5 hours

Earliest and latest permitted times at place of rehearsal or performance

Children aged 0-4:  7am – 10 pm

Children aged 5-8: 7am – 11pm

Children aged 9 and over: 7am – 11pm

Maximum total hours of performance or rehearsal 

Children aged 0-4: 2 hours

Children aged 5-8: 3 hours

Children aged 9 and over: 5 hours