New data suggests the Easter school holidays could cost parents and carers of primary school-aged children an average of £547 per child over the two-week break.
The figures come from research by Shepherds Friendly, which analysed household spending and childcare costs. With schools closing for Easter, many working parents face significantly higher expenses than during term time.
The study estimates parents spend more than £39 per child per day across the fortnight. Childcare is the largest expense, averaging £413 over two weeks for holiday clubs and childminders.
Weekly and total costs
Analysis of spending on essentials, including food, transport, recreation, and childcare, shows
- Average weekly cost per child: £273.61
- Total cost over two weeks: £547.22
Breakdown per child
- Food and drink: £29.52 per week, £59.04 for two weeks
- Transport: £36.38 per week, £72.77 for two weeks
- Recreation and culture: £29.21 per week, £58.41 for two weeks
- Education: £2.30 per week, £4.60 for two weeks
- Clothing and footwear: £7.81 per week, £15.62 for two weeks
- Pocket money: £3.13 per week, £6.25 for two weeks
- Holiday clubs and childminders: £165.26 per week, £330.53 for two weeks
A 20% tax-free childcare discount has been applied in the study. This benefit is available to working parents or carers for children up to age 11, capped at £2,000 per year, or £4,000 for disabled children up to age 16.
During term time, after-school childcare until 6:00 pm costs around £59 per week. During holidays, this rises to about £165 per week.
Regional differences
Parents and carers in the South East are expected to spend the most, at about £620 per child over two weeks. The North West has the lowest cost at £501.
Regional comparison
- South East: £620.24
- Wales: £591.04
- East of England: £574.56
- London: £551.82
- Yorkshire and the Humber: £550.72
- England average: £547.01
- Scotland: £544.67
- South West: £523.53
- North East: £522.40
- East Midlands: £522.23
- West Midlands: £510.81
- North West: £501.28
Higher costs in the South East are driven by childcare averaging £184 per week. In contrast, the North West averages £145 per week.
London ranks fourth overall despite having the highest childcare costs at £187 per week. Lower recreation spending, around £49.90 per week, may reflect the availability of free activities.
Derence Lee, Chief Finance Officer at Shepherds Friendly, said: “School holidays should be a time for families to relax and recharge, but for many parents the reality is an unavoidable rise in costs, especially when it comes to childcare. With many households already under pressure from the rising cost of living, these additional expenses can add extra strain.
“For many families, making the most of available support can help ease some of this pressure. Schemes such as Tax-Free Childcare can provide valuable savings on holiday clubs and childminders, while local councils, community groups and charities often run free or low-cost activities during school breaks. Planning ahead can also go a long way, such as setting a clear holiday budget and spreading any additional costs in advance where possible, rather than absorbing them all at once.”
He added: “There are also small, practical ways to keep spending under control without missing out. Parents can make use of free local attractions like parks, museums, libraries, and should keep an eye out for free activities offered by community groups. Similarly, organising activity swaps with other parents, preparing meals and snacks at home, and limiting impulse spending on days out can all help reduce the overall cost. Even modest changes can add up over a two week period.”
Case studies
Paulina, Greater Manchester
Paulina, a mother of a five-year-old, says school holidays bring financial strain. With only two days off work, she relies on holiday clubs costing about £17 per day. Day trips can cost £100–£150.
“Usually I spend £17 a day on after school camps in her school plus on those two days I will be going to zoo and playground which I assume will cost around £100–£150 a day.”
“Every trip to the zoo or museum will also usually result in purchasing a new toy, adding an extra spend of around £10 and £20 per visit.”
“I have an electric car so the cost of transport to these places is not huge, however there will be additional cost of car parks – probably £5–£10 per trip.”
“During the holidays we also eat out more often, and we’ll usually order take-aways as well. We’ll likely eat out every two days and spend between £10 and £50 per person per meal.”
She added: “Holiday clubs are only in school hours (9:00am–3:00pm) which makes it more complicated for working parents, as they need to organise additional care for their children to cover the gaps. It would be good if the government kept working parents in mind more when it comes to childcare during the holidays.”
Simon O’Brien, Burgess Hill
Simon O’Brien, a father of two, says school holidays require careful planning and budgeting. With some help from grandparents, he still covers around three extra days per week.
“A week of school holidays usually works out at around £250–£300, but if money is tight we just have to be a bit more creative with plans.”
“We’ll do something cheap one day, like the forest or park, then if we have a quiet day we might do a bigger outing the next day. It all balances out over the week.”
He noted additional costs: “The odd treat, like a toy, book, or art supplies, usually costs around £20 per week.”
“We also might eat out once or twice a week, costing around £50 each time. Even with careful budgeting, these costs are unavoidable.”
“Transport costs are modest but notable, with petrol costing around £50 per week and train trips costing around £20–£60 depending on the destination, for example if we’re travelling into Brighton or London.”
On wider pressures, he said: “School holidays do put massive financial pressure on families. We’re lucky to have grandparents, but school is 30 hours of childcare a week that needs replacing during holidays, and professional childcare is very expensive.”
“There could always be more free or subsidised activities. Communication about local events is not always great, so you sometimes miss cheaper opportunities.”
Ongoing cost pressures
The research highlights how Easter holiday childcare and activities place added strain on family budgets as households continue to manage the rising cost of living. Government support such as Tax-Free Childcare remains available to eligible working parents to help offset some of these expenses.