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By Rachel Lawler

 

Childcare for the summer holidays costs parents an average of £800, up 3% since last year, according to Coram Family and Childcare’s .

 

The cost of holiday childcare varied across England, with an average weekly cost of £162 in the south east, compared to £119 in the north west midlands.

 

Just 31% of local authorities in England said they had enough holiday childcare available for parents who work full-time.

 

The survey also found that just 17% of local authorities say they have enough holiday childcare for children with SEND in their area.

 

Coram Family and Childcare has called on the government to take a number of steps to reduce the cost of holiday childcare and address the shortage. One recommended step includes paying the childcare element of Universal Credit upfront, rather than in arrears.

 

The charity also asked the government to consider whether Tax Free Childcare is helping parents into work or whether the budget for this could be reinvested to better support families.

 

The report says: “Where childcare is unavailable, or too expensive, parents are left with few options. Rather than looking forward to the long break, many parents dread the juggling act between family, friends and annual leave to make sure that their children are well looked after and some struggle to stay in work.”