Information about Child Performance Licence for Performance/Event Overseas
UK resident children and young people who are taking part in performances, sporting event, exhibiting, organised activities or modelling abroad
Are children and young people under the age of 18 allowed to perform or work aboard?
The law does not allow any adult with responsibility for a child or young person under the age of 18 to:
a) Instruct or expect any child or young person to go aboard for the purpose of singing, playing performing, or being exhibited, for profit
Or
(b) Take part in a sport, or working as a model for payment, other than expenses, is made to the child or young person or to another person.
And
c) They have the parent/carer’s permission.
Unless a licence is issued under Section 25 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 Part II – Employment aboard.
Note: Local authorities are not involved in the application process, or the issuing of “Child and Young Persons Performance or Employment Abroad” licences.
Do all children and young people need a licence to perform, take part in a sporting event, exhibit, participate in an organised activities or model aboard for payment or profit by them or another person?
Yes, however, up until the age of 18, they must have a valid “Child and Young Persons Performance or Employment Abroad” licence. Unless it is confirmed that the child or young person is/was only temporarily resident within the United Kingdom during the period a licence would normally be required.
What is classified as travelling aboard?
Travel to any country outside of Great Britain and for the purposes of a “Child and Young Persons Performance or Employment Abroad” licence, the Republic of Ireland is not recognised as "abroad" by the Magistrates' Courts.
However, if a child resident in Great Britain is performing in the Republic of Ireland the licence should be issued by the Local Authority where the child resides.
Does the child or young person need to be paid for the performance or organised event to need a licence?
A licence is required where the child or any other person linked to the activity will be paid or procure funds – this does not include actual expenses.
Who is required to make the licence application?
The application for the licence is made by or with the consent of the child or young person’s parent or legal guardian.
Does the applicant need to get permission from their child's school before starting the application process?
This is not a legal requirement, but for Newham resident child and young people of compulsory school age we expect their school to provide written permission. This should be submitted along with the other documentation detailed below to the Borough Commander.
What needs to be done before making the application?
The person applying for the licence must submit the following to the chief of police (also known as a Borough Commander) for the Local Authority in which the child resides.
a) A 'Notice of the intended application',
And
b) A copy of the contract of employment or other document showing the terms and conditions of employment.
For London Borough of Newham residents, this is Metropolitan Police, Borough Command Unit.
Note: some performances or organised activities aboard, additional documentation may be required.
What is the deadline for submitting the 'Notice of intended application' to the Borough Commander?
All 'Notice of intended applications must be submitted to the Borough Commander at least 7 days before making the application.
How long will Borough Command take to make a decision?
What happens after Borough Command have made their decision?
a) If the police raise an objection, the application process cannot proceed, unless they have requested further information and then raise no objection.
b) If the police raise no objection, the applicant must then apply for the licence to the local Magistrates’ Court where the child resides.
If the police raise no objections, where do Newham residents send their application for a licence?
Thames Magistrates’ Court
or
Westminster Magistrates Court
Who will the licence be issued?
Licences are usually issued by a Justice of the Peace at Thames Magistrates' Court. However licences can also be issued by certain other Magistrates’ Court.
What must the Justice of Peace be satisfied of to issue the licence?
A “Child and Young Persons Performance or Employment Abroad” licence cannot be approved and issued unless the justice of the peace is satisfied that:
(a) The application for the licence is made by or with the consent of the child or young person’s parent or legal guardian;
(b) The child or young person is going abroad to fulfil a specified engagement;
(c) The child or young person is fit for the purpose, and that proper provision has been made to secure their health, kind treatment, and adequate supervision while abroad.
(d) The child or young person will return from abroad at the expiration or revocation of the licence;
(d) They have been supplied with a copy of the contract of employment or other document showing the terms and conditions of employment drawn up in English.
Can a licence be extended?
Yes, but this will be the decision of the Magistrates’ Court.
