Certification - Child Performers

Most children taking part in non-commercial performances do not require a licence to perform and, even if a licence is required for commercial work, the Local Education Authority may have discretion as to whether a medical certificate is required.  In this instance, a child is considered to be:

any person who has not yet reached compulsory school leaving age.

There is no statutory or contractual requirement for a GP to provide any medical certificate in association with a licence to perform. If a GP chooses to provide such a certificate, this may be provided as a private service in return for a professional fee. 

Legislation does require a licence for children:

• working in paid/professional sport
• working as models
• performing on stage or in television, film, commercials etc

This applies in particular to any performance:

• in connection with which a charge is made
• at a licensed premises or a registered club
• any broadcast or any performance, recorded by whatever means, with a view to its use in a broadcast, or film intended for public exhibition.        

The Local Education Authority usually has discretion as to whether a medical certificate is required before issuing a licence to perform.  

Medical clearance by the Senior Medical Officer (or any other practitioner approved by the Authority) covering the area in which the child lives is compulsory for:

• film or television work
• performances lasting more than a week in which the child is to perform on six days during that week (five days for sound broadcasting) 
• every month for runs lasting more than four weeks.

There is no legal requirement for a licence:

• if a child does not perform on more than four school days in any period of six months (providing that there is no absence from school)
• for school performances
• for performances put on by a body of persons approved by the Secretary of State (Home Office) or in the Local Education Authority in connection with which no payments has been made to the child or any other person. (This could include amateur productions, drama societies, churches, scouts and other youth organisations.)