In this section:

  1. Child Performance Licence Child Performance Licence
  2. Child Work Permit Child Work Permit

Child Performance Licence

We require 10 clear working days notice before the date of the first performance (excluding weekends and bank holidays).

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Child Performance Licences, Child Work Permits, Body of Person’s Approval, Exemption Licences and Chaperone Licences
 
The London Borough of Camden Child Entertainment are reviewing applications on an individual basis.  Applications must include a risk assessment to demonstrate how they will comply with the appropriate government social distancing rules and all other Covid-19 regulations.  

Children working in entertainment must be licensed by the council where they live. This includes infants and any young person of legal school age.

Entertainment includes:

  • performing on stage, television or films
  • modelling
  • taking part in a sporting activity

A licence is needed if:

  • it is paid work
  • the child is required to be absent from school in order to appear
  • the child will be working for over 4 days
  • the child has performed, licensed or unlicensed, within the previous 6 months
  • the performance is taking place on licensed premises

There are strict guidelines on the number of hours and days a child may perform, which vary according to their age and the nature of the work proposed.

Before you apply

You should apply as early as possible and at least 10 days before you need the licence. This does not include weekends or bank holidays.

You will need to provide a:

  • clear photo of the child’s face taken within the past 6 months
  • scanned copy of the child's birth certificate or passport –do not send originals in the post
  • health declaration that the child is fit and healthy enough to undertake the assignment – signed and dated by parent or legal carer

Make sure your application includes the:

  • location for the performance, including full address with postcode
  • role the child will perform and any information about the role
  • dates when the child will perform
  • start and end time of the production
  • School permission email/letter.  If the child attends school.

Children can only be chaperoned by their own parent, legal carer or a licensed chaperone. If the child's parent or carer is acting as chaperone, you must include their name.

How to apply

Complete the Child performance licence application form (PDF) - the child’s parent or carer will need to complete part two of the form.

Please note we will not be accepting any applications without all the evidence required, and we kindly ask you not to submit any applications unless you have all of the relevant documents and information. We will reject any applications that are incomplete, including those without school authorisations where required.

Email your application and scanned documents: ce@camden.gov.uk

If you need any help and advice about your application or licence, email: ce@camden.gov.uk.

What happens next

We aim to issue a licence within 10 working days of receiving an application.  If information is incomplete or we need to check further information it can take longer.

Who can apply for a Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)

The organisation responsible for putting on the performance, and for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children taking part, may apply for a BOPA.  Please note that a BOPA needs 21 days notice to complete.

You would need to complete the following forms:

BOPA Form PDF

BOPA Group Participant Information PDF

BOPA Contract of Agreement PDF

Email your forms to: ce@camden.gov.uk

Record retention

We will keep applications for child entertainment and child employment permits for a period of 12 months after the date of expiry (last day of performance / employment).

After that date we will delete the application and any supporting documents.

Should there be any safeguarding concerns copies of the application and supporting documents will be moved to the safeguarding file for the pupils and kept in accordance with the standard retention periods.

Safeguarding

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If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child on a production: