Child performance licence: Leeds
Leeds City Council licenses children who live in Leeds.21 days; Leeds will try to issue within 10 working days where possible.
Last checked 28 October 2026
- How to apply
- Email the standard application form with the supporting documents.
- Notice for a licence
- 21 days; Leeds will try to issue within 10 working days where possible.
- Using the 4-day rule
- Apply online for a “4 day exemption licence”.
- Body of Persons Approval
- Online form, for amateur groups such as dance schools and drama groups whose children aren’t paid or missing school.
- Also worth knowing
- Chaperone licences: £21.50 volunteer, £70 professional from 1 January 2026; allow 12 to 16 weeks.
From Leeds City 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 Leeds are licensed by their own council.
Sources
- Leeds City 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.