Child performance licences and approvals

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

We may consider an application received with less notice if:

• the application is complete
• you have provided all supporting documents
• you have included permission from the child’s school, if needed
• we have capacity to process it

We will not accept an application received less than 10 working days before the first performance.

Who can apply

The person responsible for the production, performance or activity must apply for the licence.

This is a legal requirement.

When a child performance licence is needed

A child may need a licence if they take part in:

• television
• film
• a stage performance
• modelling
• paid or professional sport

A licence is needed if any of the following apply:

• the child or someone else receives payment or payment in kind
• the child needs time off school
• the child has performed in the last 6 months, with or without a licence
• the performance takes place on licensed premises
• the audience pays to see the performance
• the performance is broadcast, including online streaming
• the performance is recorded for broadcast or public exhibition
• a Body of Persons Approval cannot be used

When a licence is not needed

A child does not need a licence if:

• the performance is organised and produced by a school that provides primary or secondary education
• the organiser has a Body of Persons Approval for the performance

Apply for an exemption under the four-day rule

A child may be exempt from licensing if all of the following apply:

• no payment is made because the child is taking part
• the child does not need time off school
• the child will not have performed on more than four days in the previous six months, including the dates in your application

If all these conditions apply, you should apply for an exemption instead of a licence.

Before you apply for an exemption

Read the exemption guidance and eligibility criteria (pdf format)

Time restrictions for child performers

The law limits the number of hours and days a child can perform.

The restrictions depend on:

• the child’s age
• the type of performance or activity

 Children in entertainment: restrictions for performances (pdf format)

How to apply for a child performance licence

You must apply online through our portal.

We do not accept applications by email.

Information you will need

You will need to give us details about:

• the child
• the production company
• performance and rehearsal dates, times and locations
• the chaperones
• the licensing authority for any licensed chaperones
• the parent or carer
• the child’s welfare and education arrangements

Documents you will need

You must upload:

• a clear headshot of the child, taken within the last 6 months
• a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport
• your child protection or safeguarding policy
• a risk assessment that covers every location
• a school permission letter, if the child needs time off school
• a copy of the child’s contract

Guidance for using the portal

Read the guidance on using the portal (pdf format) 

Get help

Parents and carers

You should contact the person applying for the licence. This is usually:

• the producer
• the child’s agent
• the organiser of the sporting event or photo shoot

Agents and producers

If you are applying for a licence, contact our licensing team.

• Email childperformancelicence@oxfordshire.gov.uk 
• Telephone:01865 323513  and select the Child Performance option

Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)

A Body of Persons Approval allows an organisation to run performances without applying for a separate licence for each child.

It is also known as a BOPA. We can grant a BOPA under section 37(3)(b) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963.

Who can apply for a Body of Persons Approval

Your organisation must have:

• clear and effective safeguarding arrangements
• clear child protection procedures
• a child protection or safeguarding policy that is reviewed at least once every 12 months

Before you apply

Read the Body of Persons Approval guidance and eligibility criteria