Child performance licence

Working in the entertainment industry can be a rewarding and valuable experience for children. Legislation is in place to protect their welfare and to prevent exploitation. A licence, issued by the local authority, outlines this legislation and details the arrangements in place to ensure a young person is properly safeguarded.

Licensing regulations apply to any:

• performance where a charge is made, whether for admission or otherwise
• performance taking place on licensed premises
• performance being recorded or broadcast live
• children taking part in sport activities or modelling for which they receive payment

All licensing applications must be completed by the responsible person at least 21 days prior to the activity taking place. A safeguarding policy and a risk assessment is required to support all applications.  

It is the organisers' responsibility to ensure all children are properly chaperoned during a performance.

A child does not need a licence if:

• the performance is under arrangements made by a school (an educational institution providing primary/secondary education) or
• a Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) has been granted by the Local Authority to the organiser/producer

Exemptions

Exemptions from licensing under the ‘four-day rule’ apply where:

• no payment, in respect of the child taking part in the performance, is made and
• authorisation for school absence is not required, and
• they have not performed on more than 4 days in the 6 months prior to this licensed activity

A child performance licence, or confirmation of an exemption from licensing requirements, is issued by the Local Authority where the young person lives.  

You can apply for a child performance licence via our online portal.

Apply for your exemption to be confirmed by emailing childperformances@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and you’ll be sent the relevant application form.  

BOPA (Body of Persons Approval)

Dorset Council has the discretion to issue a BOPA to any organisation putting on performances in the Dorset Council area, as long as no payment is being made for the child or children to take part. A BOPA does not authorise absence from school for any children involved in the performance. A BOPA replaces the need for individual licences from each child’s home local authority during the period of approval. Licensing officers will require evidence, and assurance, that the organisation has clear, robust and well embedded policies for safeguarding children.  

Apply for a BOPA by emailing childperformances@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk providing an overview of your production. You’ll be sent the relevant application form.  

If a child is performing abroad, a Licence cannot be granted by the Local Authority. The application for a Licence must be made to the Magistrate’s Court where the child resides.

Read our child performance licence privacy notice to find out how we use your application information.