Children in work, entertainment and chaperone licences

Overview

There is legislation in place to protect children who are of compulsory school age and who work part-time or who are involved in entertainment, sporting activities or modelling. See below for further information on:

• Child performance licences
• Child work permits
• Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)
• Information for chaperones

Child performance licences

Children taking part in performances or entertainment activities must have a Child Performance Licence issued by the local authority where they live.

Children who live abroad must obtain a licence from the local authority where the production company’s head office is based. If the company has no UK head office, the licence must be issued by the local authority where the performance or activity takes place.

Types of performance and entertainment activities

Performance and entertainment activities include:

• performing on stage or in any public setting
• appearing on television or in film
• modelling or paid sporting events

Who needs a licence

A licence is required if:

• the child is being paid
• the child will need to miss school to take part
• the child has performed (licensed or unlicensed) within the previous 6 months
• the performance takes place on licensed premises or a paying audience is present

Time restrictions

Legislation sets strict limits on the hours and days a child can perform. These vary by age.

Before you apply

Apply at least 10 working days before the licence is required. If you need a licence sooner, email the service to check if this is possible.

Submit the completed application to childperformanceandemployment@hackney.gov.uk

Please include:

• a clear digital headshot of the child (taken within the last 6 months)
• a scanned copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport
• your child protection or safeguarding policy
• your risk assessment
• a letter from the child’s school granting permission to take part

What happens next

Applications are processed within 10 working days. If further information is required, the service will contact you.

Reporting a concern

If you have concerns about a child’s welfare during performances or activities:

• email childperformanceandemployment@hackney.gov.uk
• contact the police
• report concerns to the National Network for Children in Employment or Entertainment

All reports are confidential and fully investigated.

Child work permit

We must be informed of all children of compulsory school age who are employed. Work must be suitable and must not affect the child’s health or education.

Employment includes any paid or voluntary work carried out for an individual, organisation or business acting as the child’s employer.

Applying for a work permit

Employers of children aged 13 to 16 must apply for an employment permit from the council where the business operates.
A permit application must be completed before the child starts work. 

Please attach:

• a digital passport-style photo of the child
• a risk assessment
• proof of the child’s birth (scanned certificate or passport)

Applications may take up to 10 working days.

Send completed applications to: childperformanceandemployment@hackney.gov.uk

Report concerns

If a child is believed to be working without a permit, contact: childperformanceandemployment@hackney.gov.uk

Chaperone Licence

Approved chaperones safeguard, support and promote the wellbeing of children in performances. They are responsible for the child’s care and are central to safeguarding within the licensing system.

Chaperones are required for licensed and approved events unless the child is supervised by their parent/guardian or their usual teacher.

Chaperones must protect children from neglect or abuse, raise concerns about safety or welfare, and take action where needed.

Responsibilities include:

• ensuring breaks and meals are taken
• responding if a child is ill, upset or tired
• considering health and safety matters
• safeguarding
• assisting with costume changes, dressing and microphones
• escorting children at all times, including to toilets

A chaperone may supervise up to 12 children.

DBS checks can take up to 12 weeks. Chaperone licences are processed within 10 working days thereafter.

How to apply

Residents of Hackney should complete the Chaperone Application Form and email it to: childperformanceandemployment@hackney.gov.uk

Include:

• a digital passport-style photo
• proof of Hackney address
• DBS certificate (if you already hold one) or advise if a new DBS is required

DBS requirements

Chaperones require an Enhanced DBS check.

They must renew their DBS every 3 years or subscribe annually to the Update Service.

Chaperone training

All chaperones must complete NSPCC’s online training

Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)

A BOPA allows organisations to include children in a performance without applying for individual licences, provided appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.

A BOPA can be issued by the authority where the performance takes place.

A BOPA removes the need for individual performance licences if:

• no child is paid
• children do not miss school

Organisations with multiple performances across different areas may apply for a national BOPA. National BOPA contacts:

• England: national.bopa@education.gov.uk
• Wales: keepingyoungperformerssafe@gov.wales
• Northern Ireland: info@eani.org.uk
• Scotland: ChildrensRightsandParticipation@gov.scot

Before you apply

Apply at least 10 working days before the performance. You will need to provide:

• organisation details
• performance details
• numbers of participating children
• details of chaperones/supervisors
• safeguarding arrangements

How to apply

Submit your BOPA application form, plus a risk assessment for each location and your child protection policy, to childperformanceandemployment@hackney.gov.uk

Reporting a concern

Concerns about a child involved in a performance should be reported to: 

• childperformanceandemployment@hackney.gov.uk
• the police
• the National Network for Children in Employment or Entertainment

All concerns are confidential and investigated.