Children in entertainment
The Children and Young Persons Act 1963, Sections 37-43 (and Regulations made under it) apply to any child under minimum school leaving age (MSLA) who takes part in a performance:
The general rule is that no child may take part in a performance unless licensed to do so by the local authority in whose area he lives.
Licences are granted where the local authority is satisfied about the child's fitness and about provisions made for his health, kind treatment and education.
All licences are subject to approval by the local authority.
Please note: The Local Authority in accordance with legislation can insist on 21 days notice being required from between receipt of a completed application and the first date that the child is required. Where possible in agreement with the National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) this Authority will endeavour to process applications with a minimum of seven days notice.Download the license application form (appendix 3a & 3b)
(pdf, 46KB)
| Age | Age | Age | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 years | 5 to 8 years | 9 & over years | ||
| Maximum time and place of performance | 5 hours | 7½ hours | 9½ hours | |
| Maximum times present | Between 9.30am & 4.30pm | Between 9.30am & 4.30pm | Between 7am & 7pm | |
| Maximum preforming time | 2 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours | |
| Maximum continuous time to take part without a rest | 30 mins | 45 mins | 1 hour | |
| Minimum rest/meal times | All times when not taking part | Present 3½ hours = 2 breaks, 1 hr meal & 15 mins rest, Present 8 hours = 3 breaks | Present 4 hours = 2 breaks, 1 hr meal & 15 mins rest, Present 8 hours = 3 breaks | |
| Education | Nil | 2 x 1 hr meal & 15 mins rest, 3 hours per school day (see Education for aggregated hrs) | 2 x 1 hr meal & 15 mins rest, 3 hours per school day (see Education for aggregated hrs) |
- Exceptions to the above for BBC, ITV, a programme contractor (TV Act 1964 S.1(5) or body supplying programmes to such a contractor for children aged 9 and over only (Ref 27(2)(a).
- Maximum time present per 7 day week: 12 hrs any 1 day or 10 hrs per day any 2 days or 9 ½ hrs per day any 3 days provided not present on any other day that week & not present after 7pm on more than 20 days in previous 12 months.Times between 7am & 7pm or between 10am and 10pm
- Alternative to above exceptions (Ref 27(2)(b): Maximum time present per 7 day week: 12 hrs 1 day provided not present more than 4 hrs on any other day that week and :does not take part for more than 2 hrs any other day that week and :does not take part on day following a day on which he was present after 7pm and :has not been present after 7pm on any of the 6 previous days. Times between 7am and 7pm or between 10am & 10pm.