Parents in Guernsey report adjusting their work schedules or taking extended leave to manage the high costs of childcare during the summer holidays. A recent report revealed that summer holiday clubs typically cost parents around £1,076 per child for the six-week school break. Some families have expressed concerns that the prices charged by these clubs may exceed their earnings, prompting them to question the current childcare system’s viability.
Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of Economic Development, acknowledged the difficulties faced by parents during the holiday period, suggesting that the government could consider measures such as tax-free allowances and vouchers for holiday activity providers.
Euginia Nobrega, a working mother, described her experience balancing night shifts and weekend work to afford childcare. She noted that while she could send her son to a local sports program, it only provides a few hours of care and does not fully meet her needs, underscoring the challenges faced by working parents during the summer.
Celia Belo, another parent with two children, reported that she reduced her work hours during the summer holidays and struggles to find affordable childcare. She stated that the prices of some clubs are comparable to weekly wages, raising further concerns about affordability for working families.
Claire Packman, who works around school schedules, commented on the difficulty of juggling work and childcare costs. She suggested there may be potential for governmental support but noted the complexity of finding effective solutions.
Some educators propose reducing the summer holiday duration to four weeks to alleviate financial pressure on families. Morag Martin, a primary school teacher, argued that a shorter break could benefit both children and parents.
Kazantseva-Miller highlighted a lack of government support for families during the summer, emphasizing the challenges of a six-week break without adequate childcare options, particularly for those with children who have additional needs. She called for community-led trials and initiatives to address this issue.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c626x2y2relo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss