The Child Employment Officer will look at a number of issues when considering whether a licence should be given.
Education
The child’s education cannot be allowed to suffer because of the performances. It is the responsibility of the licence holder (the performance producer who applied for the child performance licence) to make any appropriate arrangements and to agree these with the child’s head teacher.
Children involved in long running performances can have private tuition. However the tutor and the classroom must first be approved by the council and the class sizes are limited: no more than six pupils of mixed age or ability, or 12 when the children are of a similar age and standard.
Health
A child should not be allowed to perform if they are unwell or are at risk of becoming unwell. They should have a medical certificate from their doctor if they are involved in a performance that is long running (longer than three weeks) or is going to be broadcast.
However, if the performance is an amateur, one-off production, for example a pantomime, then a parent or carer should complete a medical questionnaire. Then they should give it to the producer to be sent with all the other documents. There is more information about this on our page how to apply?
Children's Services may ask for a medical report on a child before, during or after a performance.
Number of consecutive days a child may perform
A child must not take part in performances or rehearsals on more that six consecutive days.
East Sussex County Council