Child Performance License Application

Are you the applicant or an agency?

Applicant (person applying for the licence - organisation or individual)
Agency (person acting on behalf of the applicant)

Proof of authorisation

Attach proof that the applicant has authorised you (the agency) to complete this application.

For example, a document (pdf, docx, Word) or image (jpeg, png). Images must be no bigger than 50MB.

Upload a file

Do you want to use our free online checker to make sure you are applying for the right licence?

We will ask you some questions to decide which type of licence you need.

Yes
No

Check which type of licence you need to apply for

Answer the following questions so we can help you apply for the correct licence type.

Please note this questionnaire is not part of the application process but designed to help identify the correct licence you should apply for.

1. Will any child be absent from school due to taking part in the performance or rehearsal? 1. Will any child be absent from school due to taking part in the performance or rehearsal?
Yes
No
Not applicable - child under 5 years old (not of school age)

2. Has any child performed in the 6 months preceding the performance (including this performance) on more than 4 days? 2. Has any child performed in the 6 months preceding the performance (including this performance) on more than 4 days?
Yes
No

3. Will the child(ren) be adequately supervised by an adult? 3. Will the child(ren) be adequately supervised by an adult?
Yes
No

4. Will the latest permitted time at a place of performance be 10:00pm if under 5 years old and 11:00pm if aged 5 years and over? 4. Will the latest permitted time at a place of performance be 10:00pm if under 5 years old and 11:00pm if aged 5 years and over?
Yes
No

5. Will the child or another person be paid for the child taking part? This does not include expenses? 5. Will the child or another person be paid for the child taking part? This does not include expenses?

Select yes if the child or another person (such as their parent) will be paid for taking part.

Yes
No

6. Will any child taking part be employed in any other employment on the day or following day of the performance? 6. Will any child taking part be employed in any other employment on the day or following day of the performance?
Yes
No

7. Does your organisation or school perform 3 or more shows a year? 7. Does your organisation or school perform 3 or more shows a year?
Yes
No

8. Do you have more than 10 children who perform for you? 8. Do you have more than 10 children who perform for you?
Yes
No

9. Do you have a valid safeguarding child protection policy in place and can you provide a copy? 9. Do you have a valid safeguarding child protection policy in place and can you provide a copy?
Yes
No

10. Have you applied for child performance licences or exemptions for at least 2 years, or have you run 6 performances involving children with no concerns from the council during this time? 10. Have you applied for child performance licences or exemptions for at least 2 years, or have you run 6 performances involving children with no concerns from the council during this time?
Yes
No

11. Have you appointed an appropriate adult who is a licensed chaperone (approved by a local authority) to be in charge of the child throughout the performance period? 11. Have you appointed an appropriate adult who is a licensed chaperone (approved by a local authority) to be in charge of the child throughout the performance period?
Yes
No

Confirm the licence type you want to apply for

Child performance licence

Choose this if the child is being paid, performing regularly, or will miss school. A licence is needed when any of these apply, even if the performance is unpaid or short-term.

Child performance licence exemption

Choose this if the performance is unpaid, does not affect school attendance, and the child has not performed more than 4 times in the past 6 months. This option is only for short, low-impact performances.

Body of persons approval (BOPA)

Choose this if you are applying on behalf of an organisation or school and want to cover multiple children without needing individual licences. This is only for unpaid performances where no child misses school and your group meets the BOPA criteria.

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License type selected

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Questionnaire

Questionnaire Responses
1. Absent from school?	—
2. Performed >4 days in last 6 months?	—
3. Adequately supervised?	—
4. Latest permitted time within limits?	—
5. Payment other than expenses?	—
6. Other employment same/next day?	—
7. Organisation performs ≥3 shows/year?	—
8. More than 10 children?	—
9. Child protection policy in place?	—
10. Applied for licences ≥2 years / 6 shows?	—
11. Appointed appropriate adult (licensed chaperone)?	—

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You need to apply for a ...

Based on the information you have submitted, we recommend applying for a ... .

Select 'Continue' to start your application.

Thank you for your response

Thank you for completing the questionnaire.

Based on your responses, you meet the criteria for both exemption and BOPA (Body of Persons Approval).

Contact the Council Team

To ensure you select the correct form for your specific circumstances, please contact our Child Employment team to discuss your application.

Our team will help you determine whether an exemption or BOPA (Body of Persons Approval) is the most appropriate option for your situation.

What happens next?

Please get in touch with our team using the contact details below. They will guide you through the next steps and help you complete the appropriate application form.

Need help?

If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please email ChildEmployment@birmingham.gov.uk or call 0121 303 8900.

If you would like more information about child performance licences, exemptions, and BOPA, please visit the Birmingham City Council website.

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Child Performance License Application

Are you the applicant or an agency?

Proof of authorisation

Do you want to use our free online checker to make sure you are applying for the right licence?

Check which type of licence you need to apply for

Confirm the licence type you want to apply for

Summary

You need to apply for a ...

Thank you for your response

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