Child entertainment, employment and chaperones

We issue licences for children of statutory school age and under who take part in performances, paid modelling or some sporting activities. This page explains performance licences, work permits and chaperone requirements.

Performance licences

We issue licences for:

  • theatre, film and television work
  • paid modelling and sporting activities

Individual child performance licence

Body of Persons Approval

Apply for Body of Persons Approval if you are an organisation or group running a performance with children.

Employment of young people

Work permits

Children must have a work permit to work outside school hours. It is illegal to employ a child without a permit.

To be eligible:

  • children must be over 13 years old
  • work must not interfere with their education or school hours

You only need to apply once the child has a job offer.

Prohibited work conditions

Children cannot work if:

  • they do not have an employment permit issued by the local council
  • the work is in places such as factories, industrial sites, pubs or betting shops
  • the work takes place during school hours, before 7.00am or after 7.00pm
  • they work for more than one hour before school unless local bylaws allow it
  • they work for more than four hours without a break of at least one hour
  • they do not have a two-week break from work during school holidays each year
  • the work is harmful to their health, wellbeing or education

Swindon bylaws on employment

The following people must complete the work permit application:

  • the employer
  • the child’s parent or carer
  • the child’s school unless the child is home educated

Your application must include:

  • a clear photo of the child
  • the parent or carer’s signature
  • the school’s approval and signature
  • full contact details, including an email address where possible
  • the days and hours the child will work

Chaperones

Responsibilities

You must apply to be a licensed chaperone if you care for a child during a performance and you are not their parent or legal guardian. Chaperones support and safeguard children during:

  • performances, rehearsals and activities
  • periods when a child stays away from home under a performance licence

A licensed chaperone can supervise up to 12 children at one time.

Exemptions

You do not need a licence if the child is cared for by their parent or a teacher who normally educates them.

Eligibility

You can apply from age 16. You must have:

  • a Disclosure and Barring Service check
  • safeguarding training
  • a one-to-one interview

Notice periods for applications

  • Performance licences and work permits
    • 21 days’ notice required
  • Chaperone licences
    • at least 60 working days’ notice required

We may refuse late applications. You must send all documents before we can begin processing.

Submit an application

You can send completed forms:

  • By email: childlicence@swindon.gov.uk
  • By post:
    Child Employment Officer
    Inclusion and Achievement
    Swindon Borough Council
    Wat Tyler West, 2nd Floor
    Beckhampton Street
    Swindon
    SN1 2JG

Get help

If you need advice, email childlicence@swindon.gov.uk.

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