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The Holiday Childcare Conundrum: Rising Costs and Scarcity of Places

The Holiday Childcare Conundrum: Rising Costs and Scarcity of Places

Is finding holiday childcare becoming an uphill battle?

The latest survey by Coram Family and Childcare reveals a troubling trend for parents: holiday childcare costs have risen by 6%, with availability dwindling, especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This report underscores the financial strain on families, with an average weekly cost of £175 per child, totalling over £1,000 for the summer break. Significant price hikes are noted across the UK, with inner London being the cheapest and the South-East the most expensive. The scarcity of places exacerbates the challenge, calling for urgent reforms.

Are you dreading the upcoming school holidays due to the skyrocketing costs and limited availability of childcare? You’re not alone. The latest survey by Coram Family and Childcare paints a grim picture for parents across the UK, particularly those with children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As holiday childcare costs continue to soar, finding a place for your child is becoming an increasingly formidable task. This year’s survey highlights a 6% increase in costs, with the average family now paying £175 per week per child. Over the six-week summer break, this amounts to a staggering £1,048, significantly more than term-time childcare costs.

The financial burden is not the only concern. Availability is another pressing issue, particularly for children with SEND, parents working atypical hours, and those in rural areas. Only 3% of councils report having enough holiday childcare for disabled children, a drop from last year. With these challenges in mind, what can parents do, and what changes are needed to alleviate this growing problem?

The Rising Costs of Holiday Childcare

The Coram Family and Childcare survey brings to light the steep rise in holiday childcare costs, with parents now facing an average bill of £175 per child, per week. This represents a 6% increase from last year, adding substantial financial pressure on families. Over the six-week summer break, this amounts to over £1,000 per child, a significant expense that many families struggle to afford. Comparatively, term-time after-school care costs an average of £69 per week, making holiday childcare more than twice as expensive.

The regional disparities in costs are also notable. While inner London reports the lowest average costs at £153 per week, the South-East has the highest at £216 per week, a staggering 23% above the national average. These variations reflect the diverse economic landscapes across the UK, yet the financial strain is felt universally.

The Availability Crisis

Rising costs are only part of the problem. The availability of holiday childcare places is also dwindling, especially for children with SEND and parents working atypical hours. According to the survey, only 3% of councils have enough provision for disabled children, down 2% from last year. This lack of availability poses significant challenges for parents who need reliable care during the holidays.

Similarly, only 3% of councils report having enough childcare for parents working atypical hours, down 6% from last year. Full-time working parents are also facing difficulties, with only 17% of councils offering sufficient provision, a 7% decline from the previous year. These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased support and funding to ensure that all children have access to adequate childcare during the holidays.

The Call for Reform

Ellen Broome, Managing Director of Coram Family and Childcare, emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention. She states, “Too many families dread the onset of the summer holidays. Many parents worry about how to pay for holiday childcare during the long summer break. And with ever-growing shortages of available childcare, finding a place will be a challenge this summer, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities.”

Broome calls for the new government to prioritize the needs of disadvantaged children and those with SEND. She advocates for a full reform of the childcare system to provide year-round support for families. Key recommendations include extending funded early education entitlements to 48 weeks per year, increasing data collection to plan sufficient holiday childcare, and providing additional funding, training, and support to meet the needs of children with SEND.

The Role of the PVI Sector

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) highlights the crucial role of the private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) sector in providing holiday childcare. The PVI sector already has the infrastructure to offer longer, flexible hours that working families need. By supporting these providers with targeted funding and information on delivery models, the government can help expand the availability of holiday childcare.

Parents’ Strategies and Support

With the challenges of rising costs and limited availability, parents need practical strategies to navigate the holiday childcare conundrum. Many are turning to family and friends for support or adjusting their work schedules to accommodate their children’s needs. Employers can also play a role by offering flexible working arrangements and supporting employees with childcare benefits.

The Path Forward

Addressing the holiday childcare crisis requires a multifaceted approach. The government must prioritize funding and support for childcare providers, particularly those serving children with SEND and parents working atypical hours. By extending funded entitlements and increasing data collection, policymakers can ensure that all children have access to affordable, high-quality childcare during the holidays.

The Coram Family and Childcare survey underscores the escalating costs and diminishing availability of holiday childcare in the UK. Parents face an average weekly cost of £175 per child, amounting to over £1,000 for the summer break. The scarcity of places is particularly acute for children with SEND and parents working atypical hours. Urgent reforms are needed to provide year-round support for families, including extending funded entitlements and increasing support for childcare providers. By addressing these challenges, the government can alleviate the financial and logistical burdens on parents and ensure that all children have access to adequate holiday childcare.

“The new Government has a real opportunity to change the experience of school-aged children and families during the school breaks.”

– Ellen Broome, Managing Director, Coram Family and Childcare

If you’re struggling with holiday childcare, consider reaching out to your local council for support and exploring flexible working arrangements with your employer. Advocate for change by joining campaigns and supporting policies that aim to improve childcare provision for all families.

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