The table at the bottom of the page should be read in conjunction with the exceptions outlined below.
Broadcast exceptions
- If the chaperone is satisfied that serious dislocation of schedules resulted in the child being requested to work beyond the allotted time, the chaperone may permit the child to continue for a further 1 hour. This is providing that the total work done in that day does not exceed that allowed for a child of his/her age (see table). When any such extension is authorised the chaperone must notify the Local Authority (LA) in whose area the child is working, either on the same day or the following day.
- Education - aggregating hours - educational hours may be aggregated during each complete period of four weeks (or performance periods exceeding one week) as long as the child receives not less than six hours tuition per week and for not more than five hours per day during the permitted time allowed for a child of that age to be present at a place of performance, e.g. five days performing: three hours x five days = 15 hours x four weeks = 60 hours tuition required over a four week period. Children should not be allowed to lose educational hours due to long productions and heavy scheduling. Tuition days may include non-school days only under these exceptions. Agreement should be sought from the child's LA/school prior to aggregating hours.
Nightwork (indoors or out)
- LAs may also allow working after midnight only if they are satisfied that it is impracticable to complete the work before then. Any performance which takes place after midnight counts as part of the performance time allowed on the previous day. The child must also have a break of at least 16 hours before he returns to the place of performance after nightwork and if he/she does nightwork on two consecutive nights he/she cannot do any further nightwork for at least another week (seven days).
- Nightwork must be agreed in advance and the LA is not bound to allow nightwork, even if they are satisfied that the child's appearance is necessary, if it may cause any harm to the child.
| Topic |
Age 0 to 4 |
Age 5 to 8 |
Age 9 and over |
|
Maximum number of hours at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg.22) |
5 hours |
8 hours |
9.5 hours |
|
Earliest and latest permitted times at place of performance or rehearsal (Reg.21) |
7am to 10pm |
7am to 11pm |
7am to 11pm |
|
Maximum period of continuous performance or rehearsal (Reg.22) |
30 minutes |
2.5 hours |
2.5 hours |
|
Maximum total hours of performance or rehearsal (Reg.22) |
2 hours |
3 hours |
5 hours |
|
Minimum intervals for meals and rest (Reg.23) |
Any breaks must be for a minimum of 15 minutes. If at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours, breaks must include at least one 45 minute meal break. |
If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes. |
If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for more than 4 hours but less than 8 hours, they must have one meal break of 45 minutes and at least one break of 15 minutes If present at the place of performance or rehearsal for 8 hours or more, they must have the breaks stated above plus another break of 15 minutes. |
|
Education (Reg.13) |
N/A |
3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less. |
3 hours per day (maximum of 5 hours per day). 15 hours per week, taught only on school days. Minimum of 6 hours in a week if aggregating over 4 week period or less. |
|
Minimum break between performances (Reg.23) |
1 hour 30 minutes |
1 hour 30 minutes |
1 hour 30 minutes |
|
Maximum consecutive days to take part in performance or rehearsal (Reg.26) |
6 days |
6 days |
6 days |