Check if 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:
- they 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)
- they are being paid for the performance (or someone else is being paid for their performance)
- they will perform on more than 4 days in any 6-month period
- they are participating in paid sporting activities
- they are 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 criteria. BOPA is type of licence that allows organisations and groups to perform with children without needing individual licenses for each child.
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 of Birmingham, you should apply to the local authority where the child’s parents pay Council Tax.
If the child lives outside of the UK and your business or organisation is not in Birmingham, you need to apply to the local authority where you are based.
