What does the law say?

The law allows a young person to be employed from 14, but local authorities can permit a young person to be employed from 13. The law specifies the permitted hours, types of employment and makes it essential for employers to obtain a work permit for school age employees. It includes the rights of the employee and the responsibilities of the employer. Children working without a permit may not be covered by any form of insurance, regardless of the policies that the employer has in force. Employers who breach this legislation are risking the safety of young people and can face fines of up to £1,000.

If you wish to apply for a work permit, please download and complete the application form below. Any employer who allows a child of school age to work, without first applying for a work permit, is breaking the law and could be prosecuted.

Child performance licence

All children, from birth to completion of their compulsory education, and who work in the entertainment industry require a performance licence. You do not require a licence, however, if all of the following can be applied:

• The performance is unpaid;
• The performance does not require the child to be absent from school; and
• The number of performances is less than five and no other performances have been undertaken in the previous six months.

The local authority has powers under Section 37(3)(b) of The Children and Young Persons Act of 1963 to issue an exemption licence to a 'Body of Persons' to enable them to engage children in public performance without the need for each separate performance to be covered by a performance licence. This exemption can be useful for organisations such as amateur dramatic societies, operatic societies and small dance schools.

If you wish to apply for a performance licence or a Body of Persons licence, please download and complete the appropriate application form below. Under the 1968 Performance of Children Regulations, the person in charge of the performance is responsible for ensuring all children are properly licensed to perform.

Apply online for a school place Read our online guide to school admissions in North Yorkshire and apply for a primary, secondary or in-year school place.