Child performance licence: Kent
Kent County Council licenses children who live in Kent.Apply 21 days before the first performance. Workload permitting, Kent may issue within 10 full days.
Last checked 28 October 2026
- How to apply
- Online form, with the Word application form attached.
- Notice for a licence
- Apply 21 days before the first performance. Workload permitting, Kent may issue within 10 full days.
- Using the 4-day rule
- Request an exemption: fill in Kent’s exemption spreadsheet and attach it to the online exemption form. Kent says that with an exemption you don’t need a licensed chaperone, but strongly advises enough adult supervision.
- Body of Persons Approval
- Apply online at least 21 days before the first performance, then notify each production online. Notifications aren’t accepted by post or email.
From Kent 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 Kent are licensed by their own council.
Sources
- Kent 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.