How much does holiday childcare cost in the UK?

According to the Coram Family and Childcare Holiday Childcare Survey 2025, the average cost of a holiday club in Great Britain is £179 per child per week - around £1,074 for the full six-week summer break. Childminders typically cost more, averaging £234 per week during school holidays. Costs vary significantly by region, with Wales and parts of Yorkshire above the national average.

Can I use Tax-Free Childcare to pay for summer holiday clubs?

Yes - if the holiday club is registered with Ofsted (or the equivalent in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) and has signed up to the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, you can use your account to pay for it. The government tops up every £8 you pay in with £2, up to £2,000 per child per year. Check with your holiday club directly to confirm they accept Tax-Free Childcare payments.

What childcare options are available during half term?

Half term childcare options include holiday clubs (some run during half term weeks, though provision is patchier than in summer), registered childminders, babysitters booked at home, grandparents or other family, and informal reciprocal arrangements with other parents. For a five-day half term break, many working parents find a babysitter the most flexible and cost-effective solution - it avoids drop-offs and can be booked for the days you actually need cover.

What is the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme?

The Holiday Activities and Food programme is a government-funded scheme providing free holiday club places, meals and activities to school-age children from lower-income families who receive benefits-related free school meals. It typically covers 16 days in summer, four days at Easter and four days at Christmas. Contact your local council to find HAF providers in your area.

How do I find a babysitter for the school holidays?

The simplest way is to use an app like Bubble, which lets you post a booking request and receive applications from vetted local sitters - often within minutes. You can browse sitter profiles, read reviews from other parents, and book for specific days rather than committing to a full week. Bubble is free to join and every sitter on the platform has passed ID, reference and background checks before going live.