Families now face a bill of £1,045 for six weeks of holiday club care for one child this summer—a 6% increase from last year. A survey by Coram Family and Childcare reveals a shortage of holiday club places, especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Providers struggle with staff shortages and rising costs, despite efforts to keep fees down. The government offers support to low-income families.

In Birmingham, Claire Johnson, owner of Harborne School's Out, has been fully booked for months. She could run another club if she had more staff and space. During term time, she also runs an after-school club since local primary schools’ clubs are full. Johnson finds raising prices a tough decision; this year, full-day costs increased from £35 to £38. Despite the challenges, her team remains dedicated.

Parents John and Katriona Virgo praise the Harborne club for its flexibility, especially when their school became a polling station. Their summer involves a mix of clubs, annual leave, and help from grandparents.

Across Great Britain, the average six-week holiday club cost per child is £1,045. Prices have risen 5% in England, 4% in Scotland, and 15% in Wales. Ellen Broomé, managing director at Coram Family and Childcare, notes the difficulty many families face finding places, particularly for children with special needs.

Dani Wallace, an event manager with three children, describes the holidays as “organized chaos.” For her, holiday clubs are unaffordable, especially since none cater to her eldest son’s additional needs. She relies on her family for support.

Solicitor Emma Stirk from Yorkshire finds holiday clubs essential but notes a 13% price hike—the highest in England. She meticulously plans her summer around club schedules, her and her husband's leave, and family help. Clubs in her area cost between £30 and £50 per day, adding to the challenge.

The sector has struggled post-pandemic, with many out-of-school clubs closing. Rebekah Jackson Reece from the Out of School Alliance says availability varies, with some providers unable to meet demand due to financial and staffing issues.

The Welsh government funds childcare schemes like Playworks and Food and Fun during the summer. The Scottish government has invested £16m in year-round childcare systems and £4m in the Extra Time Programme for low-income families. In England, local authorities are expected to offer six weeks of Holiday Activities and Food Programme provision, ensuring meals, activities, and free childcare for low-income families.

Weekly summer childcare costs are:

• England: £173.14 (up 5%)
• Wales: £208.82 (up 15%)
• Scotland: £167.49 (up 4%)
• Yorkshire and the Humber: £173.32 (up 13%)
• Inner London: £152.56 (up 8%)
• South East: £215.68 (up 3%)