Body of Persons Approval (BOPA) allows groups and organisations to have an overall licence for a performance. This means you don't need a licence for each individual child.
The BOPA is issued by the local authority where the performance is taking place. This is different to a performance licence which is issued by the local authority where the child lives.
The performance must comply with the Children & Young Persons Act 1963, and The Children (Performances and Activities) (England) Regulations 2014.
Any type of organisation can apply - a professional company, amateur group, theatre or broadcaster.
Criteria
The following criteria must be met:
- the organisation must have a child protection policy (you will be asked to supply a copy when applying)
- the organisation must have a designated person responsible for child protection
- there must be no absence from school required in order for the child to perform or rehearse
- no payment should be made to the child except expenses
- you must provide a detailed risk assessment for the venue, including how your production will be COVID secure
Conditions
The following conditions will need to be met:
- you must make sure there are sufficient licensed chaperones at the performances and regulated rehearsals
- you must obtain a parental health declaration for each child to confirm they are fit and well along with any information about medical conditions which may impact their ability to perform
- you must make sure a qualified first aider is present at the performances and regulated rehearsals
- you must notify the Child Employment Officer of any changes to the performance (dates, venue, participants, chaperones) as soon as practically possible
- provide access for the Child Employment Officer to make any appropriate inspection
You also need to provide the following information:
- the number of children taking part and the ratio of children to chaperones
- details of chaperones including the local authority they are registered with
How to apply
Fill in our online form.