A Parent’s Guide to Child Performance Licensing in the UK
Hello! I’m Alyson Connew, and I’ve been running a TV and acting school for over 40 years. Over the decades, I’ve taught children from age six right up to 21, and it is a career I truly love.
I often receive emails from parents—not just from my school, but from across the region—who are in a panic because their child has been “street-cast” and they’ve suddenly been hit with the “licensing” question. Licensing is a complex procedure, but it is manageable if you get the right documents together at the right time.
Why Does a Child Need a Performance Licence?
In the UK, a child needs a licence for TV and professional work for one primary reason: to protect their welfare, education, and rights while working.
This is a legal safeguard built into the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 (specifically the Children’s Educational Acts). I always recommend that parents look these acts up to be 100% sure of the legal framework, but essentially, it ensures that your child’s time on set is safe and doesn’t interfere with their schooling.
The Three Pillars of Licensing
To make this easy to understand, I break the process down into three parts:
The Law
Why the licence is required (Protection).
The Parent’s Role
What you need to provide?
The Company’s Role
What the production team handles?
What Parents Need to Do?
In the world of acting, things move fast. Your child might audition one week and be on set the next. Production companies often need these licences back urgently, so I always tell my parents: Have your documents ready in a drawer before the phone rings.
To avoid the last-minute panic, you should have these three things ready to go:
A Recent Photograph:
This should be current—grab your mobile phone and take a clear, up-to-date photo.
Birth Certificate:
Keep a high-quality copy (scan or photo) ready to email.
School Permission:
This is vital. You need a letter in writing from the school (Headteacher or Drama teacher) confirming they support the child’s participation.
Pro Tip: If you are changing schools, have this conversation with the new school immediately so there are no surprises later.
Medical Notes
While not always required today, some councils or productions may ask for a doctor’s letter. At the very least, you will often need to sign a declaration stating your child is fit and healthy for the role. If the role is physically demanding or the child is very young, always discuss any medical conditions with your agent or the production company early on.
The Production Company’s Role
The production company initiates the process by filling out Part 1 of the application. This includes details like:
The hours the child will work. Who the Chaperone will be (If you are chaperoning your own child, your name must be on this form).
Once they send you the forms, you’ll add your documents and send them back. While some councils still prefer hard copies, most now accept digital signatures and emailed scans.
Which Council Do I Apply To?
This is a common mistake: You apply to the council where you live (your home postcode), not where the school is located or where the filming takes place.
If you live under North Yorkshire Council, for example, go to their website. Most council websites have a licensing department section with helpful information and contact details.
A Note on Timing: Legally, councils can ask for 21 days’ notice to issue a licence. In reality, the industry moves much faster. While I’ve only seen one licence denied in 40 years, the pressure is often high. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent or the production company for updates if things feel slow. Here is their application form.
We Are Here to Help
The licensing process can feel overwhelming, but it is an exciting sign that your child is moving toward a professional role!
If you have questions or are feeling stuck, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at alison@northernfilmanddrama.com, and I’ll be very happy to help you navigate the process.
Happy Filming!
