Performance licences for children - Print version

Child performance licence

A child performance licence must be obtained if a child under compulsory school leaving age (from birth up to the end of the school year that the child turns 16 years old) takes part in a public performance or activity or if any of the following apply:

• They will be absent from school (the absence is to be authorised by the child’s Headteacher).
• An audience is paying to watch the performance.
• The child is being paid for the performance or someone else is receiving payment for the child’s performance.
• The child will perform on more than 4 days in 6 month period.
• The child is participating in paid sporting activities.
• The child is participating in modelling work, including photography sessions, fashion shoots or catwalk shows.

Exemptions

A child does not require a performance licence when:

• The child is required to perform for one day and, in the 6 months preceding that performance, the child has not exceeded the 3 day unlicensed exemption period (a child can possibly perform for 4 days in a 6 month period without the need for a licence).
• The child does not require any time off school (paid or unpaid).
• The performance is under arrangements made with School or a Body of Persons (Body of Persons exemptions can be granted by a Local Education Authority of Secretary of State if certain criteria are met).
• No payment is made to the child or any other person (except for expenses).

How to apply

The rules governing children in entertainment covers children who take part in 'performances', including all broadcast performances, child photography or modelling. Any child engaged in these occupations must have a licence issued by the local authority.

Access to Education is responsible for the administration of the Children (Performances) Regulations (1968), the Children (Performances) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (1998) [Children and Young Persons Act].

This includes:

• Issuing and monitoring the licences for children to perform in theatre, television, film and modelling
• Issuing and monitoring the licences of chaperones.

The application for a licence must be completed by the person responsible for the performance, and signed by the parents and accompanied by a photograph.

The local authority must be satisfied that arrangements for the supervision and protection of the child are adequate and that the disruption to the child's education is kept to a minimum.

Apply for a performance licence for a child [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Child_performance_and_Activities_Licence_application]

Key issues covered by the regulations

Key issues covered by the regulations include:

• Is the child/young person below minimum school leaving age?
• Do they reside in Coventry?
• Is there a charge made for admission?
• Is it within licensed premises?
• Is it broadcast on T.V ?
• Is it intended for filming?
• Is the child/young person fit to take part?
• Will it affect the child's education? This requires consultation with headteacher if in school time.
• Is the activity safe?

When is a licence not required?

• When there is no payment made to the child and they have not taken part in performances in the previous six months on more than four days
• When no payment is made to the child and the performance is arranged by school
• When no payment is made to the child and the performance is exempted by the Secretary of State (e.g. Scout Gang Shows).

Although you may not need a licence, there are circumstances where you will still have to fill in a Child performance exemption licence form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Child_performance_exemption_licence].

Circumstances where a licence will be required

TV or filming

For any period of time - regardless as to whether it is paid or unpaid and whether an absence from school is required.

A medical will also be required for any period of work (unless a medical has been provided in the last six months), except for periods of unpaid work of less than four days, with no absence from school, and when the child has not performed for six months.

Theatre, sporting activity or modelling

For any period of time - regardless as to whether it is paid or unpaid and whether an absence from school is required.

A medical is not normally required, but it is possible that one may be necessary for a performance lasting five days or longer.

When licenses are requested at short notice, local authorities will try to accommodate requests. However there must be enough time to deal with the application detail beforehand. Productions should not be mindful that the local authority can insist upon 21 days' notice.

When sending details from one local authority to another - "the licensing authority must send to those authorities copies of the application form and the licence, together with any information they think should be brought to the notice of the other authorities" - Children (Performances) Regulations (1968), Regulation 4.

Body of Persons Application (BOPA)

This is currently being updated.

Chaperones

Chaperones for Children in the Entertainment Industry

Children involved in licensed performances or activities must always be accompanied by a local authority approved chaperone, or their parent/carer who has parental responsibility for them, or the teacher who would ordinarily provide the child's education.  Aunts, uncles, grandparents and childminders are not legal guardians (unless the courts have recognised them as such), so need to be approved in order to chaperone a child.

What is a Chaperone?

A chaperone is a person who is approved by the local authority under Regulation 15 of The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014. They are responsible for the safeguarding, care, control and wellbeing of a child during performances, rehearsals, activities, or when living away from home under a performance licence.

How to Become a Chaperone

To become a chaperone, Applicants must apply to the council where they live.  Any adult (aged 18 and over) living in Coventry may apply to Coventry City Council to be registered as an Approved Chaperone.  https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council [https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council]

Professional Chaperone Licence – This is for those wishing to undertake paid work and will be charged at a fee of £64. The applicant’s employment having obtained the licence is entirely separate, and the licence holder is not accountable to the local authority with regard to their employment. They are only accountable to their respective employer.

Volunteer Chaperone Licence – This is for those undertaking duties on a voluntary basis only will be charged at a fee of £25.

https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Chaperone_application [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Chaperone_application]

All applicants are required to complete the following:

• Completed Application form
• Application for a DBS check (unless you have a current enhanced DBS check for children only, registered with the update service)
• ID verification for DBS’s - Applicants are required to attend in person
• Attend an interview  - Applicants are required to attend in person
• Complete online Safeguarding training (a link will be provided on receipt on application)

For more information on the chaperone application process and how to apply, see the Chaperone process. Link or download

Any approval is subject to Coventry City Council being satisfied that  the Applicant would be able to exercise proper care and control of the child/children, and they will not be prevented from carrying out their duty as chaperone by other duties. Any breach of these conditions could lead to the approval being withdrawn.

The chaperone licence will be issued for 3 years. On expiry of the 3 years the Applicant will be required to renew the licence by repeating the process again if they wish to remain as a local authority licenced chaperone

Please note the time frame between the Licencing Authority receiving an application and approval being granted can take up to four months

Chaperone process

This process provides essential information for those applying to become a registered chaperone with Coventry City Council. Please read it carefully before completing your application form.

Note: The approval process may take up to four months

Any adult (18+) residing in Coventry can apply to be a chaperone. Applicants must demonstrate that they are applying to be a chaperone solely in accordance with The Children (Performance and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014.

Application

• Application form to be completed online and submitted
• Date for interview to be selected
• DBS - You will need complete an online DBS application if you do not have a current enhanced DBS check for children only, that is registered with the update service. (we cannot accept a DBS that includes adults)
• If you have a DBS that is registered with the update service, you will be required to send a copy of the certificate to us

Application checks

• References will be requested automatically once you have submitted your application.
• Completed DBS application or a copy of a current relevant DBS certificate registered with the update service
• Completion of the online safeguarding course

Please be advised that certificates for this course can take up to two weeks to be issued.  Please screenshot/download confirmation of your results and email to performance2@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:performance2@coventry.gov.uk] prior to interview. 

Pre-interview information

This provides essential information for those applying to become a registered chaperone with Coventry City Council. Please read it carefully before attending your interview.

Coventry City Council acknowledges the crucial role chaperones play in safeguarding children and young people, as well as managing partnerships between organisations and the Local Authority. To ensure that the council complies with The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014, Regulation 15, chaperones must adhere to the following.

This applies to chaperones working with child performers from birth until they reach the end of their compulsory school age, in both professional and amateur settings, as well as those supervising children paid to participate in sports under a license.

By following this, chaperones will be recognised for upholding Coventry City Council’s standards of good practice, thereby enhancing their reputation within the community.

Chaperone role and responsibilities

A chaperone is responsible for the care, control, safeguarding, and wellbeing of a child during activities, performances, rehearsals, or when living away from home under a licence. Acting in loco parentis, the chaperone provides the care expected of a responsible parent, serving as the child’s primary protector and supporter.

The chaperone ensures the child’s experience is enjoyable and beneficial, fully understanding their responsibilities and obligations. This includes having a thorough knowledge of performance licencing legislation, the production process, and the specific requirements of the genre they are working in. They must effectively use their authority to protect and benefit the children in their care. In order to carry out their role effectively a chaperone must:

• Always put their children’s needs first
• Ensure children are supervised at all times. Whilst undertaking the duties of a chaperone, you must not take on any other responsibilities.
• Provide guidance and support, Chaperones are the key person children look to for guidance, protection, clarification, and support.
• Be aware of any medical needs or disabilities and understand any arrangements related to medicines (e.g., inhalers, allergies, diabetes).
• Know the whereabouts of the children at all times. You can be allocated up to a maximum of 12 children, if you cannot safely manage the number of children, inform the production manager or applicant to adjust the arrangement. Do not allow children to leave the venue unaccompanied.
• Be aware of fire safety, exits, evacuation and major incident procedures at the venue. Know the first aid procedures (the whereabouts of the first aid kit and the designated first aiders).
• Ensure all accidents and incidents are reported and recorded.
• Make sure children are comfortable, have access to food and drink, and take appropriate mealtimes and rest breaks. Be aware of any allergies.
• Ensure dressing rooms are appropriate (separate changing for children aged 5 and over)
• Ensure children are supervised to and from the toilets and where possible use separate toilet facilities from adults/members of the public.
• Maintain a register of all children in your care to include exact times of arrival and departure.
• Stand up for the children’s needs above production pressures.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Share personal information only on a need-to-know basis and safeguard it from third parties.Familiarise yourself with the venue layout, (ensure there are suitable rest and toilet facilities available). Identify any hazards, such as loose electrical leads on stage or on set.

As a chaperone you must

• Be the child’s champion.
• Behave in an appropriate manner, remaining visible to the children at all times.
• Be alert to potential hazards and ensure that your focus always remains on the children.
• Immediately report any issues or concerns to the head chaperone or designated person. Know the reporting procedures and contacts (Safeguarding, Health and Safety, behavior)
• Wear your ID badge whilst carrying out your chaperone duties and keep it available for inspection to present to any inspecting officer from the local authority.
• Notify the local authority at the earliest opportunity the local authority promptly of any changes in your circumstances, including health issues, criminal charges, convictions, bail conditions, or safeguarding concerns involving you, your immediate family members or any persons living with you.

As a chaperone you must not

• Leave the children alone with another adult (unless it is another licensed chaperone, the child’s parent, or teacher).
• Release children to an adult they are not expecting at the end of the production unless this has been confirmed by the parent / production.
•  Engage in an inappropriate relationship with a child or young person. This means that chaperones should ensure that their personal social networking sites are set to private and children/young people are not listed as approved contacts. Equally, chaperones should not accept ‘friend requests’ from children/young people they are looking after.
• Take photos of the children.
• Use mobile phones whilst looking after the children.
• Drink alcohol and/or take drugs when you are working. Your capacity to perform your duties as a chaperone must not be impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Swear or use inappropriate language.
• Disclose or provide your personal details or information to the child.
• Approach cast members for autographs or photos during working hours.
• Let children perform if they are unwell.
• Always check that it is ok with the child before you help them. Physical touch should always be conducted in an open manner.

Response to disclosure

• If a child confides in you that abuse has taken place: Remain calm and in control, but do not delay in taking action.
• Listen carefully to what is being said. Allow the child to tell you at their own pace and ask questions only for clarification.
• Do not ask leading questions
• Do not promise to keep it a secret or confidential. Reassure the child that they did the right thing telling someone and explain what you will do next.
• Use the first opportunity you have to share the information with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (the person responsible for child protection). Each production company should have a nominated child protection person.
•  As soon as possible, make some notes (using the child’s own words). Note the date, time, any names that were involved or mentioned and whom you gave the information to.
•  Parents should not routinely be informed at this point if they are the subject of the disclosure as this may compromise the safety of the child.
• Information/ evidence gathering is not the responsibility of the chaperone. This is a matter solely for the investigating authorities. If you have any concerns relating to the safeguarding & welfare of the child, for example neglect, engaging in inappropriate contact with adults, child sexual exploitation, it is your responsibility to inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead and to inform your local authority of any concerns.

Contact details

• Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 024 7678 8555
• Emergency Duty Team (EDT) 024 7683 2222 / 7683 2208

Note: Local authorities should take note of Regulation 5 that allows the licensing authority to further restrict permitted hours, breaks etc. and place additional conditions on the licence if this would be in the best interests of the individual child.  

Chaperone checklist                              

• On arrival at the venue familiarise yourself with the layout of the building
• Identify all hazard areas
• Locate all fire exits and ask to hear the sound of the alarm if possible
• Ensure all children are aware of the fire exits
• Locate first aid facilities
• Ensure dressing rooms are appropriate (separate dressing rooms for 5 years and over)
• Locate toilets
• Locate school room (if appropriate if children are being tutored)
• Check meal arrangements
• Check total number of children in your care
• Check the number of chaperons
• Register for the children
• Check performance licences for the children
• Ensure you have or know where to access emergency contact numbers
• Medical conditions and any medication required
• Ensure all accidents are recorded and reported

Do 

• Check the child is comfortable
• Stand up for the child above production pressures
• Be the child’s champion
• Report any concerns, know who to report to
• Have knowledge of who has the performance Licences for the children
• Exercise discretion (where regulations allow) where it is the best interest of the child
• Be alert to possible risks to the child
• Challenge people and/or behaviours

Don’t

• Let the child perform if they are unwell
• Leave the child alone with another adult (unless a parent or teacher)
• Ignore or play down questionable behaviour from adults or other children
• Allow the child to be pressured
• Take photographs of the child
• Seek autographs from performers
• Use inappropriate language, smoke or consume alcohol whilst on duty
• Wear inappropriate clothing

Hazards

• Movement/changes of scenery
• Smoke effects/dry ice
• Noise
• Trap doors
• Electrical cables/wiring
• Bright lights, periods of darkness
• Heat from lighting
• Raised stage
• Costumes
• Heavy doors (trapped fingers)
• People