How to get through half term on a budget

Half term in Easter term can creep up on parents unless they are very ahead of the game.  It’s a short term and it feels almost as if the children have only just gone back to school. If it does catch you unawares, you are definitely not alone. Workingmums.co.uk polls show that many parents leave half term cover until the last minute – mainly because of the cost and availability of any childcare schemes and the fact that they may have different children of different ages which some of the schemes available don’t cater to. So how do you manage, especially if you can’t take the week off? Here are some suggestions:

1. Check our your local authority to find out about activities in your area and holiday schemes [this should be on their website under Children and Families or the Family Information Service]. Your school may also have details of holiday playschemes run by local leisure centres or your school may host some. Other organisations may also offer schemes, like the YMCA. If you are struggling financially, visit Child Poverty Action Group who will be able to signpost you to support.  Turn2us also has information on any benefits and other support you may be entitled to. You may be able to use tax credits/Universal Credit to cover childcare if the scheme is Ofsted-registered.

2. Fall back on family and friends – whether nearby or further away. If you can, divvy up half term between a number of family members to spread the load. If family are not available, network with friends. If you haven’t already built up a support network of other parents, particularly working parents who know what the deal is, start doing so as soon as you can, even if it’s too late for this half term. It could be a life-saver in the future. Parenting is in part a political game and the rules are that if you have x’s child over on your day off, x has yours back. Have all friends’ numbers on speed dial on your phone in case of emergencies.

3. Try to negotiate some homeworking for you and for your partner if you have one or have a job that enables homeworking. That way you can be around to ferry the kids to holiday playschemes, which often end well inside office hours and tend to be helpfully aimed at different age groups and interests – something that often becomes problematic if you have more than one child. You may also be able to tailor your day so you have time for the kids in the afternoon before you log on again later in the day.

4. Parental leave – if you are unable to cover the holidays you could take unpaid parental leave.  After completing one year’s continuous service with an employer, an employee is entitled to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave for each child born or adopted. You have to give notice so it will be too late for this half term, but it is worth bearing in mind for the next holidays.

5. Emergency childcare may be necessary if all else fails. Organisations like My Family Care, Bubble or Yoopies provide emergency back-up, but it can be at a cost.

6. If you are off with the kids, check out local museums, parks, etc, to find out what activities they have on offer. Many will be free of charge and getting out and about can make a world of difference to their half term and may help recharge your batteries too. The Woodland Trust runs free forest trails. Also check out the National Trust and English Heritage sites.

7. Look out for half term bargains. For instance, you can use Tesco points for Free Days Out. Kellogg’s is running a free adult ticket promotion on its cereal packs. Several supermarkets, including Morrisons, Tesco and M & S, are offering free meals for kids with a paid adult meal. Asda has partnered with Quaker Oats to offer children free porridge between 8am and noon during half term. It will also continue its £1 kids main meal deal.

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