Rising Costs and Shortages in UK Holiday Childcare
Families across the United Kingdom are facing a growing financial burden when it comes to childcare during the summer holidays. According to recent research, the average cost for six weeks of holiday childcare per child has reached £1,076, marking a 4% increase compared to the previous year. This significant rise highlights the challenges families encounter as they try to balance work and family life during school breaks.
The Coram Family and Childcare charity conducted the study, which revealed that local authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales reported a shortage of available holiday childcare spots. The situation is particularly concerning for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send), as many areas lack sufficient resources to meet their specific requirements.
Cost Comparisons and Regional Variations
The report found that the average weekly cost of a holiday childcare club is now £179, up from £172 in the previous year. This means that families pay £677 more for six weeks of holiday childcare than they would for an after-school club during term time.
Regional disparities in pricing were also evident. In Wales, the average weekly cost is the highest at £210, followed by England at £178 and Scotland at £168. Within England, prices vary significantly, ranging from £196 per week in the South East to £162 per week in the North West. These differences underscore the uneven distribution of childcare resources across the country.
In addition to club-based childcare, the cost of hiring a childminder during the holidays averages £234 per week nationwide. Inner London has the highest rates at £306 per week, while the South West sees lower costs at £191 per week.
Challenges for Children with Special Educational Needs
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted in the report is the lack of adequate holiday childcare options for children with Send. In England, only 9% of local authorities reported having enough spots to serve at least three-quarters of children with Send in their area. For some regions, such as the East Midlands, the East of England, and Inner London, the figure drops to 0%, indicating a severe shortfall in support.
The Coram Family and Childcare charity is urging the government to invest more in funding, training, and support for holiday childcare providers, especially those serving children with Send. They also recommend maintaining the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme beyond March 2026 to ensure continued access to childcare for disadvantaged children.
Government Initiatives and Ongoing Concerns
The expansion of funded childcare, introduced by the Conservative government, has provided working parents with more options. Since April last year, eligible working parents of two-year-olds have had access to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time, with a full rollout of 30 hours planned for September.
While these initiatives are seen as positive steps toward reducing childcare costs for younger children, the report emphasizes that the focus on holiday childcare remains limited. Lydia Hodges, head of Coram Family and Childcare, pointed out that the need for childcare does not end when school ends. She stressed that holiday childcare plays a crucial role in helping parents maintain employment and providing children with opportunities for social interaction and physical activity.
Calls for Continued Support
Arooj Shah, chairwoman of the Local Government Association’s children and young people board, acknowledged the difficulties faced by providers in meeting the demand for holiday childcare, especially for children with Send. She emphasized the importance of investment and staff recruitment to improve access and quality.
A government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to supporting families through various initiatives, including expanding free school meals, introducing free breakfast clubs, and continuing the HAF programme. These efforts aim to ease the financial pressure on families during both school terms and holidays.
Despite these measures, the report underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to holiday childcare policy to ensure all children, regardless of their needs, have access to safe and affordable care during school breaks.
