Authored by Lydia Hodges, Emma Goddard, Alicia Knights-Toomer and Sam Shorto

In its 19th annual survey, Coram Family and Childcare finds that holiday childcare costs have jumped by 6% since 2023. The average place at a holiday club now costs 2.5 times more than an after-school club during term time (£175 per week compared to £69). Families now face costs of £1,049 for six weeks of holiday childcare for each school age child - £635 more than they would pay for six weeks of after-school childcare during term time.

The survey also reveals that parents are struggling to find the childcare they need, with only 17% of English local authorities having enough holiday childcare available for parents in their area who work full time, down 7% from last year. Coram Family and Childcare is calling on the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments to take important steps to reform the system.