UK Families Struggle with Soaring Summer Childcare Costs
Average childcare expenses surpass £1,000 per child, with significant disparities in availability and cost across regions.
- Parents face an average cost of £1,049 for six weeks of summer holiday childcare per child.
- Only 17% of local authorities in England report sufficient holiday childcare provision for full-time working parents.
- Costs have increased by 6% since last year, with Wales having the highest weekly price at £209.
- Families in the south east of England pay 23% more than the national average for holiday childcare.
- The lack of sufficient holiday childcare is particularly challenging for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).