Apply for a child employment permit

Register a child’s employment and apply for a permit.

Apply for a permit

A child of compulsory school age must have a valid employment permit before they can work. The employer will need to apply to the local authority where the work will take place, not where the child lives or goes to school.

You must have a separate permit for each child you employ. There is no fee to apply.

An employment permit is only valid: 

  • For the job and employer named on the permit. If the child changes job or starts a new job with a different employer, a new employment permit is required
  • While the child is of compulsory school age, which ends on the last Friday in June of the academic year in which they turn 16

The application process

All applications must be completed online. Paper applications will not be accepted or processed. 

Key information

  • The employer must apply before the child starts work, however, if employment has already started, you must apply within 1 week after their start date
  • Both the employer and parent or carer must have an online Self account to complete the application. If you don't already have an account, you'll need to create one before you apply
  • After each section is completed, the employer and parent or carer will receive an email. If you do not receive it, check your junk or spam folder

  • The application can only be processed when all sections have been completed, and all required documents have been submitted

  • Missing documents, incomplete sections, or a lack of response from the employer, parent or carer, or school may delay or prevent the application from being processed

There are 4 sections to this application. Please read the information below before applying.

Employers should use the link in Section 1 to start the application:

Section 1 - Employer information Discuss and agree the employment details with the parent or carer and get the necessary information before completing this form, as you cannot make changes to the application after it has been completed and returned by the parent or carer.

Complete a risk assessment

Before the child starts work, you must complete a health and safety risk assessment for the child and the work they will be doing.

When completing the risk assessment, you must:

  • Consider the child's age, level of maturity and lack of experience
  • Identify and assess any risks associated with the role and workplace
  • Take appropriate steps to remove or reduce those risks
  • Make sure the work is safe for a young person
  • Provide the parent or carer with a copy of the risk assessment

You must review and update the risk assessment if the role, duties or working conditions change.

You can use the risk assessment template available at Managing risks and risk assessment at work (HSE), or your own template.

Begin the application process

When completing Section 1, you must:

  • Provide the child's details, parent or carer's details and employment details
  • Upload the completed risk assessment as a PDF file (other file formats will not be accepted)
  • Check that the parent or carer's email address is correct
  • Submit Section 1

Once you submit Section 1, it will be sent to the parent or carer, and you'll receive an email confirmation.

Apply for a child work permit

Section 2 - Parent or carer and school information

Parent or carer checks details and contacts the school

Once the employer has completed Section 1, you will receive an email asking you to check Section 1 and complete Section 2.

When reviewing Section 1, you must:

  • Create or log in to your online Self account
  • Check your child's details, your details and the employment details
  • Check the risk assessment
  • Download the school information form and send it to your child's school or take it to them in person

If the employment is only during the school holidays, the school information form does not need to be completed. Please leave this blank.

School completes the school information form

The school must:

  • Review the proposed employment details
  • Complete the school information form
  • Return the completed school information form to the parent or carer

Parent or carer completes and submits Section 2

Once the school has returned the school information form, you must:

  • Check the school information form and request a new form if anything is incorrect
  • Take a clear photo of the school information form or scan it if you receive it as a paper copy
  • Log in to your online Self account and reopen the application
  • Provide your child's medical details and employment history
  • Upload a copy of your child's birth certificate or passport
  • Upload the completed school information form
  • Update any incorrect information provided by the employer
  • Submit Section 2

The information provided by you cannot be amended by the employer. Please make sure all details are accurate before submission. 

Once you submit Section 2, it will be sent to the employer, and you will receive an email confirmation.

Section 3 - Employer declaration and submission

Once the parent or carer has completed Section 2, you must:

  • Log in to your online Self account
  • Review the employment details
  • Review the child's details and any medical information
  • Update the risk assessment, if needed
  • Review the parent or carer's details
  • Submit the application

Once you submit the application, you and the parent or carer will receive an email confirmation.

Section 4 - Council review and decision

Once the application has been submitted, the Child Performance and Employment Team will:

  • Check the proposed working hours and ensure the work is suitable
  • Review the risk assessment and the school's response
  • Check proof of identity and age
  • Check legal requirements have been met and consider any safeguarding concerns

If the application is approved:

  • An electronic copy of the employment permit will be sent to the employer and parent or carer through their online accounts. The child must have an electronic or paper copy of the permit with them when working.

If the application is refused:

  • A reason will be provided. The child must not work without a valid employment permit.

An application may be refused if:

  • The work may have a negative impact on the child's education
  • The proposed working hours are not suitable
  • There are concerns about the child's safety or wellbeing
  • Legal requirements have not been met

Key responsibilities after the permit is issued

  • The employer must follow permit conditions (hours, duties and safety requirements)
  • Employment must not affect education, health, or wellbeing
  • Parent or carer must ensure the work remains suitable
  • School should monitor attendance and wellbeing

If something changes

  • If there are changes to hours, duties or location, a new application will be required 
  • If there are concerns about safety or wellbeing, these should be raised with the employer or reported to the the Child Performance and Employment Team, using our online contact form
  • When employment ends, electronic copies of the permit must be deleted and paper copies destroyed