Working parents across England, Scotland and Wales are facing an average £1,145 childcare bill for every child over the six-week summer holidays, according to new research.
The latest report from Coram Family and Childcare found holiday clubs now cost an average of £190.77 a week across Britain, meaning families could spend almost £1,150 per child before any Government childcare support is taken into account.
The findings highlight the financial pressure many households face during the school holidays, when childcare costs are significantly higher than during term time.
Families in Scotland pay slightly less than the British average, but the cost remains substantial.
The average holiday club now costs £179.95 a week, meaning six weeks of childcare comes to around £1,080 per child.
Parents using a childminder in Scotland face average costs of £239.56 a week, adding up to almost £1,440 over the summer break.
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Holiday clubs cost almost three times more than after-school care
Across Britain, six weeks of holiday clubs costs £726 more than six weeks of after-school childcare.
A week at a holiday club costs an average of £191, compared with around £70 for an after-school club during term time.
The charity said holiday childcare now costs more than 2.7 times as much as after-school care.
Where are childcare costs highest?
The research found significant regional differences.
The highest average weekly holiday club costs were:
- South East: £226.55
- Wales: £223.59
- North East England: £219.76
- Inner London: £217.74
- Scotland: £179.95 (national average)
Prices also rose sharply over the past year, increasing by:
- 16% in Inner London
- 12% in North East England
- 10% across Wales
Yorkshire and the Humber was the only region to record a fall, with average prices dipping by around 1%.
Childminders cost even more
Families relying on childminders face even bigger bills.
Across Britain, the average weekly cost has risen to £251.48, meaning six weeks of childcare costs around £1,509 per child.
In Scotland, the equivalent figure is £239.56 a week, or roughly £1,437 over the six-week break.
Charity warns families face growing pressure
Lydia Hodges, head of Coram Family and Childcare, said: "Holiday childcare is essential for parents to take and stay in work but, for too many families, the six-week break brings a sharp increase in childcare costs."
She added: "Cost is only part of the challenge. When we asked councils whether there is enough holiday childcare in their area, the most frequent response was that they do not know."
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And she said: "We heard this answer much more frequently than when we asked the same questions about pre-school childcare for our childcare survey this spring."
The figures reflect the full cost of childcare before any Government support is applied.
Depending on where they live and their circumstances, some families across England, Scotland and Wales may be eligible for help through childcare support schemes or funded childcare entitlements, although the support available varies between nations.
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