Five childcare options parents have this summer as costs continue to skyrocket

Childcare costs for a single child are soaring to a staggering £1,000 on average this summer. But fret not, parents, as there are alternative options available to ease the burden.

Recent research conducted by the esteemed charity Coram Family and Childcare has revealed that British families will shell out an average of £943 for six weeks of holiday childcare for a school-age child, marking a 3% increase from last year.

As schools prepare to break up for the summer at the end of this month, many parents are already feeling the weight of these costs. It's a predicament exacerbated by the fact that most state schools will be closed, leaving parents with limited annual leave entitlement and no choice but to fork out for additional childcare.

So, what alternatives do parents have? Here is a list of options that may come in handy for those in need of childcare this week.

If taking time off work is not an option, you could consider requesting a flexible work schedule from your employer. It is your right as an employee to make this request, and if granted, you can adjust your working hours, potentially saving money on childcare costs or even working from the comfort of your own home.

While not ideal, this arrangement allows you to care for your children throughout the working day, a situation that many families found themselves in during the Covid-19 pandemic when offices were shuttered and remote work became the norm. It could be a viable solution during the summer months as well.

Unpaid leave may not be the most desirable choice, as it means sacrificing income while taking time off. However, considering the skyrocketing cost of childcare, many Britons would likely spend more on childcare during the holidays than they would