Child performance licence: Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire County Council licenses children who live in Hertfordshire.At least 2 weeks before the performance, or 3 weeks for large-scale productions such as pantomimes.
Last checked 28 October 2026
- How to apply
- Online application from the council’s page.
- Notice for a licence
- At least 2 weeks before the performance, or 3 weeks for large-scale productions such as pantomimes.
- Body of Persons Approval
- Apply at least 1 month (21 working days) before; children must not be paid and must only perform in Hertfordshire.
- Also worth knowing
- Organisations can join Hertfordshire’s DBS umbrella body for chaperone and BOPA DBS checks (no charge to join; checks are pay-as-you-go).
Hertfordshire County Council’s page
From Hertfordshire County Council’s own website on 28 October 2026. Councils change their forms often, so follow their page if it differs.
Do your children need a licence at all?
Not if they’re unpaid, don’t miss school, and haven’t performed on more than 3 days in the 6 months before each show day (the 4-day rule), or if your show has a BOPA. Children who live outside Hertfordshire are licensed by their own council.
Sources
- Hertfordshire County Council: child performance licensing (checked 28 October 2026)
- The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014 (checked 28 October 2026)
- Children and Young Persons Act 1963, section 37 (England, Wales and Scotland) (checked 28 October 2026)
Beginners Call is an information tool, not legal advice. It reads the law the way the Department for Education’s advice does, but your council makes the decision. If in doubt, ask them.
Want the full kit?
I’m deciding whether to build the rest: a cast list that tracks each child’s days across every show, a chaperone rota that won’t let you go over 12, and daily records on your phone. Leave your email and I’ll write once when it’s ready, or not at all if it isn’t built.