A child performance licence is required for all working children in the entertainment industry. This licence is obtained from your local council for each job a child is confirmed for. We gather all the relevant paperwork from parents and the production company to then submit to the council. Some local authorities can complete a licence in 24 hours and some as long as 14 days
To obtain child performance licence the following paperwork is required;
- Part 1 of licence form (client to complete)
- Part 2 of licence form (parent to complete)
- Signed self certified medical declaration (parent to complete)
- School letter from the head teacher to authorise the day from school (parent to obtain)
- 2x passport photographs
- Copy of birth certificate or passport
The above list of paperwork is then presented to your local authority for the licence.
A school letter is required to if the work is during school hours and your child will be missing school time. A letter of authority is required from the school to agree to the absence.
You will only need to complete this application process when your child is offered the job as working dates need to be included on the application forms.
The licence is only valid for the one job, (unfortunately) the process is repeated every time.
Some local authorities will offer an open licence for the year. This therefore means that only the client needs to complete part one of the form for each job.
The following government link will put you in contact with your local authority: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-child-performance-licence
The following government link supplies more information regarding child performance and regulations that may be useful to read: https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/performance-licences-for-children
Here are a list of downloadable standard forms;
Child-Performance-Licence-Appication-Part-1
Child-Performance-Licence-Appication-Part-2
School-Letter
Please do not worry about obtaining a child performance licence, we are here to guide you and help with forms!
Helpful links
Child performance licences are required for all children working within the media industry.
Clients and models can find useful help and advice regarding the regulations of child employment.
Legislations are in place to protect all child performers, please view the latest 2014 act here:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/3309/contents/made
National Network for Child Employment & Entertainment are the only National organisation solely dedicated to the continual development and implementation of ‘good practice’ issues for children engaged in employment and taking part in public performances.
You can also find more advice on the government website, government guidance; Child performance and activities
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-performance-and-activities-licensing-legislation
Photographic and film rates of pay
Photographic model rates GUIDELINES ONLY
Babies 0 -3: £60 per hour
Children 4 – 8: £70 per hour
Children 9 – 13: £80 per hour
Teenagers: £84 per hour
Auditions: £18
Fittings: 1/2 hourly rate
Sizings: £25 per hour
2 hour minimum booking applies
Television/Commercial model rates
Babies and children 0 -4: £200 per day
Children 5 – 12: £225 per day
Teenagers: To be negotiated
Chaperone: £90
Recall: £50 per hour
Wardobe: £50 per hour
Extra: £80 – £100 per day
Rates of pay can vary from job to job. Model bookers will advise you of the rates of pay when contacting you for bookings. Please note that some clients may pay a reduced rate, this will be at your discretion if you want the job.
Lacara agency commission 25% for TV and 35% for stills. Commission is deducted from everything except transport costs.
Children’s working hours
Children aged 0-4 can perform for 5 hours
Children aged 5-8 can perform for 8 hours
Children aged 9 and over can perform for 9.5 hours
Earliest and latest permitted times at place of rehearsal or performance
Children aged 0-4: 7am – 10 pm
Children aged 5-8: 7am – 11pm
Children aged 9 and over: 7am – 11pm
Maximum total hours of performance or rehearsal
Children aged 0-4: 2 hours
Children aged 5-8: 3 hours
Children aged 9 and over: 5 hours