Authored by Megan Jarvie, Sam Shorto and Lisa Kunwar Deer

In its 18th annual Holiday Childcare Survey, Coram Family and Childcare finds that holiday childcare costs have risen by 3% since 2022. The average place at a holiday club now costs £157 per week, which is 2.3 times what parents pay for an after-school club during term time. Families will now find themselves £943 out of pocket for six weeks of holiday childcare, £538 more than they would pay for six weeks of after-school childcare during term time. 

The survey also reveals growing gaps in the availability of holiday childcare in England. Only 24% of English local authorities report having enough holiday childcare available for parents in their area who work full time, down 2% from last year. Coram Family and Childcare is calling on the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments to take important steps to reform the system.