Families paying for holiday clubs this summer now face a bill of \u00a31,045 for six weeks’ care for one child \u2013 a rise of 6%.<\/p>\n
A survey of councils across Great Britain, by charity Coram Family and Childcare, also suggests a shortage of places – particularly affecting children with special educational needs and disabilities.<\/p>\n
Providers say they are trying to keep costs down as they struggle with staff shortages.<\/p>\n
The government says it is providing support to families.<\/p>\n
‘Low-paid job’<\/h2>\n
In Birmingham, Harborne School’s Out owner Claire Johnson is expecting a busy summer – her club has been booked up for months.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the people I have turned away, I could run a completely new club but I don\u2019t have the staff or a big enough venue,” she says.<\/p>\n
During term time, Mrs Johnson runs an after-school club, because three of the local primary schools’ clubs are completely full.<\/p>\n
And whenever she has to raise prices, it is a \u201creally big decision\u201d \u2013 including this year, when the cost of a full day, from 07:30 to 17:30, will rise from \u00a335 to \u00a338.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is already a low-paid job for staff, so it is very much a passion for everybody who works in the sector,\u201d Mrs Johnson says.<\/p>\n