Summer childcare costs rise

As a lot of families are being hit by the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, many are finding that household budgets are being squeezed more than ever. Another issue relating to family expenses has been raised by the most recent holiday childcare study by the charity Coram Family and Childcare – the cost of wraparound care in the summer holidays.

The most recent edition of the annual survey has found that holiday care costs have risen on average 5% from last year, with average costs rising to close to £900 for the season. The survey discovered that on average, a week’s holiday care will cost families £148 per child alone – double what typical care costs during term time.

The survey also found inequalities in care available for children with disabilities. In comparison to availability of care in 2021, the figures fell sharply from 16% to just 7% of local authorities being able to accommodate.

Support for managing summer childcare

With many parents working full-time through the school summer holidays, it can be tricky to manage childcare. A lot of parents choose to save their available leave from work to be able to manage this. For parents of older children, working from home can sometimes be helpful, but for parents of younger children and those who work outside the home this is not the case.

Some parents choose to lean on the support of family who live close by to provide childcare – even if this is not daily, it can help to make the costs a little more manageable. Others may also work out a system between friends or family members with children of a similar age.

Some parents are also lucky to have jobs that offer flexibility with hours. For example, over the school holidays, hours could be adjusted between parents to ensure that there is someone in the home to help with childcare.

How have you tackled the challenges of summer childcare? Come and chat about it in our Facebook community group!

Summer childcare costs rise

Support for managing summer childcare

Further reading