William Eichler 16 July 2019

Parents’ childcare bills set to double over summer

Working parents could face a childcare bill of up to £800 during the summer holiday - more than double the cost of term time childcare, a children’s charity has warned.

Coram Family and Childcare’s 15th annual Holiday Childcare Survey shows that holiday childcare prices have risen by 3% in Britain since last summer. This brings the average cost of one week of holiday childcare to £138.

This increase in the cost of childcare means that parents will have to find £828 on average for six weeks of holiday childcare per child – more than double the price parents pay for after-school clubs during term time.

Coram warned that this is particularly difficult for low income families who rely on Universal Credit, which is paid in arrears.

The charity’s survey also found huge variation in the costs of holiday childcare across the country.

Holiday childcare costs are highest in the South East, at an average of £162 per week per child. In the North West, where childcare costs are lowest, it is £119 per week.

The survey also highlights gaps in the availability of holiday childcare, as only one in three (31%) local authorities in England reports having enough holiday childcare for all parents in their area who work full time.

This gap is even bigger for parents of children with disabilities, with less than a fifth (17%) of local authorities able to provide enough holiday childcare to meet their needs.

Megan Jarvie, head of Coram Family and Childcare, commented: ‘Working families are being left with few options this summer. The high price and low availability of childcare means that many struggle to stay in work, or can end up paying to work.’

‘Families need to see urgent action to fill the gaps in availability and financial support,’ she added.

Coram’s survey comes as the charity the Trussell Trust urges people to donate food to their local food bank to help support families with children during the summer holidays.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner