Performance licences for children

Children who take part in television, filming, theatre, modelling and paid sporting activities must by law have been issued with a licence.

All applications for licences for children who live in Tower Hamlets to perform must be made to the Council’s Pupil Services Team.

When dealing with a licence application Pupil Services will make all the necessary checks to satisfy itself that it complies with current regulations and legislation. If necessary, the school will authorise a child’s absence from school to take part in a paid performance or activity. The child must be under the care and supervision of a responsible adult at all times. This can be their parent or a registered chaperone / matron - see below.

Licence applications must be made by the person who is responsible for the production of the performance in which the child is to take part. This would normally be the theatre or production company or an authorised agency working on their behalf.

To apply for a licence for a child to be able to perform, please download the guidance notes and the Performance Licence Application form (PDF, 26K).

Chaperone / matron

It is a legal requirement that children who have been issued with a public performance or entertainment licence, must be supervised at all times by a licensed chaperone or matron, unless they are under the direct supervision of their parent or a tutor approved by the local education authority.

Please refer to the section on Licensing chaperones for children in entertainment.

Further information

For any further information, please contact:

Claire Keeley
Admissions Officer – applications for children’s work permits performance licences

Tel: 020 7364 5006

Pupil Services
3rd Floor, Town Hall
Mulberry Place
5 Clove Crescent
London E14 2BG

E-mail: pupil.services@towerhamlets.gov.uk

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