School attendance and absences

If your child is participating in a performance, it may be necessary to apply for a performance licence. Licences must be applied for by the producer or company leading the production and not by the individual, although a parent will need to complete a medical declaration as part of the application. Performance licences ensure that a child's health, safety and education are not adversely affected if they spend significant amounts of time taking part in performances. You can find out more information on the performances that apply in the government's child performance activities guidance. A child will need a licence if:

• They are required to miss school
• They are receiving any form of payment
• They perform on more than three days in a six month period

Apply for a performance licence for a child

There are some cases where a child may be exempt from requiring a licence. Typically, this might be where they are involved in an amateur production. In this situation, the organisation producing the production must be registered with the local council and hold a Body of Persons exemption. Groups of responsible adults, which usually include community youth groups, amateur dramatic societies and dance groups who work on an amateur basis may apply for a Body of Persons exemption. In this context, the term 'amateur' is defined by no payment being made to any person involved in the performance. The decision to grant a BoPA rests with the local council. School productions do not require children to be licensed or an exemption because they are regarded as school activities.

Find out more and apply for a BoPA

Chaperones for children with a performance licence

Where a child has a performance licence, they must also be accompanied at all times by a licensed chaperone.

Privacy notice

Herefordshire Council is the Data Controller under data protection law and will use the information you provide in order to provide you with the licence you apply for. The legal basis for processing this data is your consent to do so. You can withdraw your consent at any time by notifying us, however this will result in a licence not being provided or withdrawn. Our contact details to do so, or for any other queries, are Lorraine Ralph, Enforcement Officer, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE.

We will keep your data for two years after the licence ends. Your information will not be shared further, unless it is necessary to do so in cases such as preventing or detecting crime. Individuals have a number of rights under data protection law, including the right to request their information. You also have a right to make a complaint about our handling of your personal data to the Information Commissioner's Office.