As schools close for the six-week summer break, families across the UK are grappling with steep childcare costs, which have surged by 4% in the past year.
According to a recent report by Coram Family and Childcare, the average cost for holiday childcare clubs now stands at £1,076 per child. This increase is creating financial strain for many working parents, with a lack of availability exacerbating the issue.
The financial burden is even more pressing for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who face limited access to suitable childcare services. Research reveals that the shortage of holiday provisions is especially acute for these children, with only 9% of local authorities reporting adequate care options.
Soaring Costs for Working Parents
The study’s findings indicate a significant rise in the cost of holiday childcare, which is now £677 more expensive than after-school care during term time.
The average price for a holiday club is £179 per week, but the costs vary across regions. For example, Wales has the highest average weekly price at £210, while in Scotland it is £168.
Parents in Inner London face even steeper costs for childminders, where the average rate is £306 per week. This price increase places considerable strain on families already struggling with the financial pressures of the summer months.
For working parents, securing affordable childcare is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for continuing employment. As childcare expenses rise, many families are forced to reassess their budgets, and some may even have to reduce work hours or take time off to manage their children’s care.
SEND Provision Remains Insufficient
The challenge of finding appropriate holiday care is particularly severe for families with children who have SEND.
The report shows that a mere 9% of local authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales have sufficient holiday childcare for children with SEND. Worse still, this percentage drops to 0% in some areas, including the East Midlands, East of England, and Inner London.
Local councils are working with childcare providers to improve access, but without increased investment in both staffing and resources, the situation is unlikely to improve.
Coram Family and Childcare’s Lydia Hodges has called on the government to step up efforts to address this issue, stressing the importance of holiday childcare in supporting both parents’ employment and children’s development.
In response to the rising costs and insufficient provision, the government has launched initiatives such as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which provides support for children on free school meals.
While this initiative offers some relief, its continued funding beyond March 2026 is critical to ensuring that all children, regardless of background or need, have access to the care and activities they require during school holidays.
