Do you need a child performance licence?
All children (from birth to the end of the school year in which they turn 16 years old) need a licence to take part in a public performance or activity if any of the following are true:
- the child will be absent from school (the absence must also be authorised by the child’s head teacher)
- an audience is paying to watch the performance (unless this is only to cover costs connected with the performance)
- the child is being paid for the performance (or someone else is being paid for the child’s performance)
- the child will perform on more than four days in any six-month period
- the child is participating in paid sporting activities
- the child is participating in modelling work, including photography sessions, fashion shows or catwalk shows
The person responsible for the production is responsible for submitting the performance licence application.
When you might not need a child performance licence
If the performance runs for 4 days or less, you may be able to apply for an exemption.
If multiple children are involved in the performance and they will not need to take time off school, your organisation may be able to apply for a Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) certificate if you meet the riteria. BOPA is type of licence that allows organisations and groups to perform with children without needing individual licences for each child.
We will tell you which type of licence or exemption you need when you start your application.
Which council to apply to
You should apply to Birmingham City Council if the child either
- lives in Birmingham
- is at a boarding school in Birmingham
- lives outside the UK but your business or organisation is based in Birmingham
If the child does not live in Birmingham
If the child lives outside Birmingham, you should apply to the local authority where the child’s parents pay Council Tax.
If the child lives outside the UK and your business or organisation is not in Birmingham, you need to apply to the local authority where you are based.
