Casting children for commercial productions

Children under 16 in full‑time education must hold a Child Performance License to work as an actor or model in the UK. Licences are issued by the child’s local council and typically take 48 hours to 10 days, depending on the authority. The process involves the parent or guardian submitting the child’s documents, the production providing job details, and the council approving welfare, schooling, and chaperone arrangements for the shoot. Most child agencies handle the application on your behalf, though will charge an administration fee of £40–£50 if you do not book their actor. For fast‑moving productions, we may recommend licensing all shortlisted children and back-ups in advance so paperwork is in place before final client approval, though this does increase production costs.

Working Hours for Child Performers

Note: Local authorities may further restrict permitted hours, breaks, or conditions if they believe it is in the best interests of the child.

Topic Age 0–4 Age 5–8 Age 9+
Maximum hours at place of performance or rehearsal 5 hours 8 hours 9.5 hours
Earliest / latest permitted times 7am – 10pm 7am – 11pm 7am – 11pm
Maximum continuous performance or rehearsal 30 minutes 2.5 hours 2.5 hours
Maximum total performance or rehearsal time 2 hours 3 hours 5 hours
Minimum intervals for meals and rest Minimum 15‑minute breaks.
If present over 4 hours: one 45‑minute meal break. 		If present 4–8 hours: one 45‑minute meal break + one 15‑minute break.
If present 8+ hours: above + one extra 15‑minute break. 		If present 4–8 hours: one 45‑minute meal break + one 15‑minute break.
If present 8+ hours: above + one extra 15‑minute break.
Education requirements N/A 3 hours per day (max 5).
15 hours per week.
Minimum 6 hours if aggregated over 4 weeks. 		3 hours per day (max 5).
15 hours per week.
Minimum 6 hours if aggregated over 4 weeks.
Minimum break between performances 1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum consecutive days 6 days 6 days 6 days