Child Licensing Services

Managing performance licences so you don’t have to.
UK child and international performance regulations are complex. We handle the paperwork, council contact and compliance - so your production can move forward without delay.

Stress-Free Licensing for Your Young Cast

From paperwork to council approval - we’ve got it covered.

Whether you’re filming a TV drama, shooting a music video or casting child models, the legal requirements around child performers can quickly become overwhelming.

Our team has processed hundreds of applications and knows exactly what’s needed – and when. From initial advice to final approval, CPSH handles the entire licensing process so your team can focus on production, not red tape.

Image showing happy, stress-free children with child licensing expert

Licensing Support Tailored to Your Production

Fast, accurate and fully compliant - every time.

Child Performance Licences

Local authority applications across the UK & Ireland.

Last-Minute Amendments

Fast changes to dates, hours or chaperone arrangements.

Educational Hours & Tutor Planning

Advice on 16-18s and on-set school scheduling.

DOOD Aggregation & Welfare Planning

Building production-safe welfare schedules around shoot days.

International Child Licensing

Applications for overseas shoots and foreign performers.

Understanding Licensing Requirements

What’s required, and when.

Children below the age of 16 (or the end of Year 11) must have either an exemption certificate or a child licence to enable them to perform in the UK. These are issued by the Local Authority where the child resides.

Laura’s your go-to expert! She’s our in-house specialist and knows the ins and outs of everything child licensing-related. If you’ve got a question or need a bit of guidance, just pop your details into the form below and she’ll be in touch.

Laura child licensing expert

UK Child Performance Licensing

📌 Advance Notice:
Applications must be submitted at least 21 days before the child’s first performance day.

✅ A licence is needed if the child is:

  • Aged between 0–16 years (or until the end of Year 11)

  • Performing in theatre, broadcast, or modelling (including photographic stills)

  • Being paid or someone is profiting (e.g. ticket sales)

  • Performing on licensed premises (e.g. theatres, hotels, public houses)

  • Absent from school (even during school holidays)

  • Working more than 4 days in any 6-month period

International Child Licensing

📌 Required for:

  • Children travelling abroad to perform

  • Children from abroad working in the UK

✅ How it works:

  • Licences are issued by Magistrates’ Courts for outbound travel

  • UK-based productions must licence incoming performers via the local authority where the production is registered

  • Applications must be submitted at least 14 days in advance

Note: Holding a UK child licence is a legal requirement for any child who will be performing in either Theatre or Broadcast. For broadcast, this means on any platform including websites and if your production is factual/scripted or observational/unscripted.

Get Clear, Compliant Guidance You Can Trust

Every production is different - that’s why we take the time to understand your challenges and goals. From licensing questions to on-set safeguarding, our team is here to help you get it right.

Simply fill in the form to request a call - we’ll respond promptly.
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How Our Licensing Process Works

Clear steps. Expert support. No delays.

Consultation

Tell us about your performers, key dates, and production details.

Application

We prepare and submit all licensing documents to the relevant council(s).

Approval & Support

We liaise with the authority, handle amendments, and confirm your licences.

Licensing - What You Need to Know

Quick answers to common questions.