British parents are facing a financial squeeze this summer as childcare costs during school holidays surge past £1,000 per child, according to new research. The staggering figures reveal the mounting pressure on working families during the six-week break.
The Rising Cost of Summer Childcare
Analysis shows that parents now spend an average of £125 per week for each primary school-aged child during summer holidays. With most schools closed for six weeks, this translates to a whopping £750 per child - and costs can exceed £1,000 in many areas.
Regional Variations in Expenses
Childcare expenses vary significantly across the UK:
- London parents face the highest costs at £168 per week
- Northern Ireland offers the most affordable rates at £98 weekly
- Wales and Scotland fall in the middle range
Impact on Working Families
The research highlights how these costs create impossible choices for parents:
- Many reduce working hours to care for children
- Some parents are forced to take unpaid leave
- Families increasingly rely on grandparents for support
"These figures expose the childcare crisis facing ordinary families," said one family support charity spokesperson. "Parents shouldn't have to choose between their careers and their children's wellbeing."
Call for Government Action
Childcare advocates are urging policymakers to address the issue, suggesting:
- Expansion of free holiday club provisions
- Increased funding for local authority childcare schemes
- Tax relief for working parents during school breaks
With inflation squeezing household budgets further, experts warn the summer childcare challenge may worsen in coming years without intervention.
