Survey shows cost of half term childcare

A third of working parents will take annual leave from work to look after their children, whilst 11% will take unpaid leave from work, according to a survey.

The survey of over 1,000 parents by Voucherbox.co.uk suggests parents taking unpaid leave will lose an average of around £309.64.

The survey found that parents will spend an average £133.50 entertaining the children during half term week, despite the majority of respondents trying their best to find either free or short-term, low-cost activities.

Over 70% say they have noticed an increase in costs for covering half term over the past five years and over half said managing work and childcare during the holidays was either stressful or very stressful.

In response to how the children will be entertained for the week, the survey found that over 20% of families will take part in short-term activities, such as the cinema and play centres, while almost 15% will spend significantly more visiting attractions like theme parks and the zoo. Other activities include visiting friends and relatives out of town (13%), arranged playdates (10%) and holidays at home or abroad (9%).

Shane Forster, Voucherbox UK Country Manager, says: “The costs of looking after the kids over half term have rocketed and many parents are feeling the pinch. Of course, whilst there isn’t a great deal you can do about the cost of taking time off, there are lots of free and fun activities out there as well as some great deals to be found online. As a starting point, check out what’s on at your garden centre, library, community centre and even shops like Hobbycraft and Pets at Home who often give free demonstrations during the holidays.”

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