Performance licences for children

Any child below compulsory school leaving age who wishes to undertake any kind of performance must apply for a performance licence.

The participation of children in public performances is governed by Section 37 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963, and associated Regulations.

The whole point of the law in this regard is not to prohibit children from taking part in performances, but to ensure that they are able to do so without risk of harm to their health, education and welfare. The participation of children in professional modelling or sports would also fall within the legislation - amateur participation in modelling or sport is not covered.

The participation of children in performances will usually be subject to a performance licence, which may be obtained from the Education Directorate.

However, it may be possible, so long as the child takes part on an amateur (unpaid) basis, to waive the need for the licence, but participation would still be subject to the Regulatory conditions. Please contact the Support Services Officer for further details.

Chaperone approvals

We will consider approvals for chaperones only in specific relation to requests for performance licences for individual children.

Some local authorities operate a 'chaperone licence' system for individuals who reside in their area, whereby checks as to their suitability for the role as Chaperone - including the check with the CRB -are undertaken in advance. A 'licence' is then issued attesting to that person's suitability, and will be deemed to have validity for a period of up to three years. Dorset will not operate such a system - we believe them to be illegal, and potentially dangerous.