Children cannot appear in a public performance without a licence.

Any application for a performance or stage licence must be signed by parents or guardians and accompanied by a photograph. The LEA 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.

The legislation which demands this licensing is The Children and Young Persons Acts 1933 and 1963 and The Children (Performances) Regulations 1968.

Key issues covered by the regulations are:

  • Is the child/young person below the minimum school leaving age?
  • Do they live in Nottinghamshire?
  • Will a charge be made for admission to the performance?
  • Is the performance on licensed premises?
  • Will it be broadcast on television ?
  • Is it intended for filming?
  • Is the child/young person fit to take part?
  • Education - consultation with the headteacher is necessary if in school time
  • Is the activity safe?

No licence is required under the following circumstances:

  • No payment will be made to the child and they have not taken part in performances in the previous 6 months on more than 3 days
  • No payment will be made to the child and the performance is arranged by the school
  • No payment will be made to the child and the performance is exempted by the Secretary of State (for example Scout Gang Shows).

A child performance licence application form is downloadable as a pdf.

A medical questionnaire for children taking part in performances and activities is downloadable as a pdf.

How do you rate this information / service?