Child Employment and Children in Entertainment

Many children enjoy performing, whether in plays, films, modelling or on television.  However, laws exist which are designed to protect children’s welfare and prevent them from being exploited.

There are special licensing requirements for children who perform and in many cases children should not take part in performances except under the authority of a licence granted by the local authority in whose area the child resides.

For comprehensive information on children in entertainment, eg number of days they are allowed to perform on and downloading a performance licence application form, visit  the website of the National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment at  www.bucksinfo.net/nncee/entertainment/

 

Parents of children aged 13 or over who want to have a part-time job should also ask about the requirement on the employer to apply for a licence.

Employment licence

Employing a child under school-leaving age in any business without an employment licence is an offence.  There are strict controls on the kind of work a child can do and the hours they can work, including during school holidays and weekends.  These are to protect children from exploitation and make sure that they are safe at all times.

Parents should not allow their children to work without these safeguards being in place.

Children in entertainment

There are also special licensing requirements for children who take part in professional entertainments (TV, shows etc).

Contact Jan Hickman on 01902 555233