Parents face £1,100 bill for summer holiday childcare

Families face spending more than £1,100 per child for summer holiday childcare, new research suggests.

Working parents already struggling with the cost of living are looking at an average bill of £191 per week for each child they have, equating to around £1,145 for the six-week school break.

Costs have risen by 5% in the last year and have gone up by more than double that in some parts of Britain.

A report by the Coram Family and Childcare charity said: "Parents and carers pay much more for childcare during the holidays than during term time.

"A week at a holiday club costs over 2.7 times more than an after-school club – £191 per week compared to £70."

Holiday club prices were also found to have risen by 16% in inner London and by 12% in the North East.

In Wales, average prices are up by 10% annually to reach nearly £224 per week.

The research is based on data provided by 199 local authorities and looked at the costs and availability of care for children aged four to 14.

Childcare during the summer holidays is "essential" for parents who need to work, the charity said – and the costs are not the only challenge. Availability of childcare is also a concern.

Lydia Hodges, head of Coram Family and Childcare, said: "When we asked councils whether there is enough holiday childcare in their area, the most frequent response was that they do not know."

For parents who seek to employ a childminder instead, average costs have climbed 7% to £251 per week.

They are highest in Inner London, where they stand at £372.

(c) Sky News 2026: Parents face £1,100 bill for summer holiday childcare