Child entertainment, employment and chaperones

Performance licences

The Council is responsible for issuing licences for children of statutory school age and under, covering:

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

Individual child performance licence

Body of Persons Approval (BOPA)

  • If you are a group or organisation wishing to apply for a BOPA, visit the BOPA approval page

Employment of young people

Work permits

Work permits are required for children working outside school hours. It is illegal to employ a child without a work permit.

  • Eligibility
    • Children must be over 13 years old to work
    • Work must not interfere with their education or school hours
  • Application timing
    • Work permits only need to be applied for once the child has received an offer of employment

Prohibited work conditions

Children cannot work if:

  • they do not have an employment permit issued by the local council
  • the work is in places like factories, industrial sites, pubs, or betting shops
  • the work occurs during school hours, before 7.00am, or after 7.00pm
  • they work for more than one hour before school (unless allowed by local bylaws)
  • they work 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, well-being, or education

Swindon bylaws on employment

An application form for a work permit must be completed by:

  • the employer
  • the child’s parent or carer
  • the child’s school (unless home-educated)

The application must include:

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

To apply, download the work permit application form (PDF). For detailed information, see the Swindon bylaws on employment of children (PDF).

Chaperones

Responsibilities of chaperones

If you assist a child during a performance and are not their legal guardian, you must apply to be a licensed chaperone. Chaperones safeguard and support children during:

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

Chaperones are responsible for ensuring the child’s well-being, safety and care. A licensed chaperone may care for up to 12 children at a time.

Exemptions

A licence is not required if the child is cared for by a parent or teacher who ordinarily provides their education.

Eligibility for chaperones

You can apply to be a chaperone from the age of 16. Requirements include:

  • a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
  • safeguarding training
  • a one-on-one interview

To apply, download the chaperone licence application form (PDF) and review the chaperone guidelines (PDF).

Required notice for licence applications

  • Performance licences and work permits
    • Applications require 21 days’ notice
  • Chaperone licences
    • Applications require a minimum of 60 working days’ notice

Applications submitted late may be refused. Agencies or applicants must ensure all paperwork is submitted before processing begins.

Submitting applications

Completed forms can be submitted:

  • 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

Further information

If you have questions or need advice, email: childlicence@swindon.gov.uk.

Give feedback about this page

Help us to improve this website

Use this form to provide feedback on this webpage. Don't use it to contact us about a service or make a complaint. We will not reply, even if you include personal details such as your name and address. If you want us to reply, you should contact us in a different way.

What is your feedback for this webpage?