17-07-2025
Revealed: The increasing cost of summer holiday childcare
The cost of childcare for the six-week summer holiday is projected to rise by at least four per cent across Britain, with parents facing an average bill exceeding £1,000 per child.
A report found the average weekly cost for a holiday childcare club has increased to £179, with Wales recording the highest weekly price at £210, followed by England at £178 and Scotland at £168.
Families in the UK pay an average of £1,076 for six weeks of holiday childcare, which is £677 more than the cost for six weeks in an after-school club during term time.
Councils have reported a significant shortage of holiday childcare places, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with some English regions having no adequate provision.
The Coram Family and Childcare charity is calling on the government to provide more funding, training, and support for holiday childcare providers, and to maintain the holiday activities and food programme.
