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A GUIDE TO CHILDREN IN ENTERTAINMENT - A BRIEF OUTLINE

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Children's performances are regulated by law: -

The Children & Young Persons Act, & The Children Performance Regs.

This is to ensure that children are not being exploited or overworked.

The general rule is that no child under school leaving age may take part in any type of performance unless licensed to do so by their Local Education Authority.

Licences are granted when the LEA is satisfied that the child's health, welfare and education will not suffer.

EXEMPTIONS

A licence is not required for performances arranged by school, such as school plays.

Amateur Societies can apply to their Local Education Authority for an exemption certificate.

If in doubt - ASK!

PERFORMANCE LICENCES

Licences are issued by the Local Education Authority, and cover all children, from birth until they reach official school leaving age.

There are two types of licence,

A Performance Licence and an Activities Licence

MODELLING

Children can take part in modelling assignments from birth. They are usually registered with one or more modelling agencies. Each agency has the responsibility to apply for a licence for the child from the Education Authority where the child lives.

A licence for children taking part in modelling is called An Activities Licence.

SPORTING EVENTS

This is a very complicated area, but generally, children who take part in sporting events which are not organised by school and which require the child to have time off from school will also need an Activities Licence.

TELEVISION or FILMS

Children who are to be in films or a TV programme need a Performance Licence.

This applies no matter what they are on TV for, and whether or not any time off school is required.

THEATRE, MUSIC OR DANCE

Most children who take part in this type of performance will need a Performance Licence, unless they are a member of an amateur society and have been given an exemption.

So children who are in, for example, a large professional pantomime will need a licence, but those appearing in an amateur production probably will not.

Also, children who take part in an orchestra, or sing or dance in shows may need a licence.

A Performance Licence is definitely needed if the child will require time off school, is getting paid, or if the production they are in is for more than 4 days.

Again, if in doubt - ASK!

APPLYING FOR A LICENCE

THE PROCESS

Whether the child needs An Activities Licence or A Performance Licence, the same two-part form is used.

Part One of the form is completed by the person responsible for the production, sporting event or modelling agency. All sections of the form must be completed.

Part Two of the form must be filled in by the parent or guardian of the child. The parent must also ensure that they provide the relevant documentation.

DOCUMENTATION NEEDED: