Thanks for landing on this page and welcome! Models Direct will walk you through understanding child modelling contracts and the legalities revolving around your young one working as a model because both are super important! So without further ado, let’s go!
If you’re thinking about your child, aged 2-12, registering as a model with an agency like our UK-based one, getting to grips with their contact should be at the top of your list.
First up, read through your child’s contract thoroughly! With Models Direct behind you, one of our specialists will review the contract with you so you know what you’re signing. Key elements will (and should!) include the following:
Our agency’s name and the client who is booking your youngster.
The day(s)/time(s)/location of the assignment (you’ll have info on transportation and expenses that will/will not be covered).
The nature of the assignment and the role your child will play and potentially other booked models
How much your child will get paid, what method of payment and when
Where your child’s images will be used and when to see them go live
A termination clause may state why an assignment might need to be ended earlier than expected and what it will mean for your child model if it does
If amendments need to take place during the assignment, these potential changes will be factored into the contract and accommodated. You will be notified immediately about this so that you’re aware.
When it comes to legalities, your child will be under school leaving age so taking the following into account is recommended:
The client should have a child performance licence in place via the child’s local council.
Your child must be supervised by yourself, a guardian or a chaperone who has been approved by your local council.
They cannot work within the following areas:
– Before 7 am or after 7 pm
– During school hours
– For more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least 1 hour
– In a factory, industrial site or somewhere similar unless it’s for work experience purposes
There are also special rules which apply during term times and school holidays which you can take a look at in more depth here! For a roundup, here it is:
For term time, children can only work a maximum of 12 hours a week with a maximum of 2 hours on school days and Sundays.
It is quite a complicated area but communicating with our team is the best way forward in understanding your child model’s contract and the legalities involved in making it happen. Our Models Direct team is here on standby so you can call, email or even pop down to our HQ and speak to us in person about your contract and all the extras.
And remember, if you’re not certain about going ahead with an assignment your child has been hired for, please let us know so that our team can make arrangements around it within a satisfactory time scale.
