Working parents in the UK are facing soaring childcare costs during the school summer holidays, with new research showing that childminder bills can reach up to £1,800 for a six-week period.
According to a report from the children’s charity Coram, families in inner London are paying the most, with average holiday childminder fees hitting £306 per week.
This compares with a UK-wide average of £234 a week, translating to over £1,400 for the full summer break. In Wales and Scotland, the average weekly cost is slightly higher at £249 and £238 respectively.
This marks the first year that Coram’s annual childcare survey has included data on childminder prices during school holidays.
The survey also highlights updated figures on holiday clubs, showing that average weekly costs for these services have risen by 4% over the past year to £179 per child – more than double the cost of after-school clubs during term time. Parents are now looking at an average total of £1,075 to cover six weeks of holiday club care.
The report also uncovers a significant shortage of places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
In England, only 9% of councils reported having sufficient provision for 75% or more of children with SEND. In regions such as the East Midlands, the East of England, and inner London, no local authority could meet this threshold.
Coram has raised concerns that many councils lack a clear understanding of their local childcare capacity. In fact, over half responded to the survey with “data not held” or “cannot tell” when asked about availability of holiday childcare.
Lydia Hodges, head of Coram Family and Childcare, stated that childcare support is just as essential during the holidays as it is during term time. She stressed that while free early education funding has helped reduce costs for under-fives in England, the rising costs of holiday childcare for school-age children risk making work unsustainable for parents as their children grow older.
She also warned that without accurate local data, many children – particularly those with SEND – may be excluded from opportunities to socialise, stay active and enjoy their summer.
Coram is urging the government to increase funding and support for holiday childcare providers, particularly to help meet the needs of children with SEND.
Arooj Shah, chair of the Local Government Association’s children and young people board, acknowledged the challenges in ensuring adequate SEND provision. She pointed out that the current pressures on providers make it difficult to recruit and retain qualified staff needed to deliver inclusive care.
In response, a government spokesperson said they recognised the financial pressures on families during school holidays. They highlighted several initiatives, including the expansion of free school meals to children on universal credit, the introduction of breakfast clubs in primary schools, and the extension of 30 hours of funded early education from September.
The government is also continuing to support the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, which offers six weeks of free activities and meals to eligible children.
