Menu
15/07/2003
Childcare charges rise over summer holidays
Families face a huge rise in the cost of summer holiday childcare, according to a new survey published today by the national childcare charity, Daycare Trust.
The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer holiday play scheme is set to rise by 16%, according to the report. Currently, the typical cost for childcare is £67.70 a week (up from £58.46 in 2002), or more than £400 for the six week summer break.
The highest weekly cost of a summer holiday play scheme in the survey was £135 a week. This compares with average weekly household income of £550 and average weekly spending on food and housing combined of £77.60.
Despite significant investment in childcare, access to quality childcare over the summer in the UK continues to depend on how much families earn and where they live, says Daycare Trust.
The survey of Children’s Information Services shows that more summer holiday childcare is available than in 2002, but four out of 10 still say that parents report a lack of quality affordable summer holiday childcare in their area. Many schemes do not run for the full six weeks of the holiday, the report claims.
Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: “Every year many parents struggle to arrange and afford childcare for their children during the summer holidays while they are at work. This survey highlights the fact that summer holiday childcare remains well beyond the reach of many low-income families.
“We must help families balance work and family life during the long school holidays, and ensure that every family has access to quality affordable childcare during the summer period when they need it.
"Investing in childcare places and providing more help with costs through the tax credits are crucial."
(GMcG)
The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer holiday play scheme is set to rise by 16%, according to the report. Currently, the typical cost for childcare is £67.70 a week (up from £58.46 in 2002), or more than £400 for the six week summer break.
The highest weekly cost of a summer holiday play scheme in the survey was £135 a week. This compares with average weekly household income of £550 and average weekly spending on food and housing combined of £77.60.
Despite significant investment in childcare, access to quality childcare over the summer in the UK continues to depend on how much families earn and where they live, says Daycare Trust.
The survey of Children’s Information Services shows that more summer holiday childcare is available than in 2002, but four out of 10 still say that parents report a lack of quality affordable summer holiday childcare in their area. Many schemes do not run for the full six weeks of the holiday, the report claims.
Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: “Every year many parents struggle to arrange and afford childcare for their children during the summer holidays while they are at work. This survey highlights the fact that summer holiday childcare remains well beyond the reach of many low-income families.
“We must help families balance work and family life during the long school holidays, and ensure that every family has access to quality affordable childcare during the summer period when they need it.
"Investing in childcare places and providing more help with costs through the tax credits are crucial."
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 September 2011
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
Childcare Costs Force Poor Out Of Work
Families on low-incomes across the UK are having to turn down jobs or are considering leaving work because they can't afford to pay for childcare. New research from Save the Children and Daycare Trust also found that parents, regardless of income, say that they can't afford not to work, but struggle to pay for childcare.
08 September 2004
Schools to offer extended childcare facilities
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has today outlined plans for schools to offer 'wrap-around' childcare available from 8am to 6pm. The 'wrap-around' care would be available for 48 weeks of the year and be paid for by tax credits.
Schools to offer extended childcare facilities
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has today outlined plans for schools to offer 'wrap-around' childcare available from 8am to 6pm. The 'wrap-around' care would be available for 48 weeks of the year and be paid for by tax credits.
07 August 2014
National Summer Games 2017 Announced For Sheffield
The National Summer Games for athletes with learning disabilities is to be held in Sheffield in 2017. Sheffield City Council have said that the games' venues will include the Ponds Forge Centre, Sheffield Hallam University athletics stadium and the English Institute of Sport.
National Summer Games 2017 Announced For Sheffield
The National Summer Games for athletes with learning disabilities is to be held in Sheffield in 2017. Sheffield City Council have said that the games' venues will include the Ponds Forge Centre, Sheffield Hallam University athletics stadium and the English Institute of Sport.
02 June 2014
Heavier Summer Downpours Expected
Extreme summer rainfall may become more frequent in the UK due to climate change, according to new research led by Newcastle University and the Met Office.
Heavier Summer Downpours Expected
Extreme summer rainfall may become more frequent in the UK due to climate change, according to new research led by Newcastle University and the Met Office.
19 April 2013
Gove Calls For Longer Days And Shorter Holidays For Schools
Schools days should be longer and holidays shorter, Michael Gove has said. The education secretary claims this would improve performance and make life easier for working parents. The reforms proposed would allow state schools to choose to stay open until 4.30pm and introduce a shorter, four-week summer holiday for pupils.
Gove Calls For Longer Days And Shorter Holidays For Schools
Schools days should be longer and holidays shorter, Michael Gove has said. The education secretary claims this would improve performance and make life easier for working parents. The reforms proposed would allow state schools to choose to stay open until 4.30pm and introduce a shorter, four-week summer holiday for pupils.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Very windy with persistent and occasionally heavy rain at first, becoming drier with the wind easing towards midday. Mainly dry with bright spells increasing during the afternoon. Milder than of late. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with clear spells, mainly dry evening becoming windy with rain at times from late evening. Turning drier with clear spells towards morning. Milder than of late. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
