Help with costs during school holidays

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Many parents have mixed feelings about their children’s long summer break from school. Whether you’re looking forward to it or dreading the juggle, the extra costs of having children at home over the summer can add a lot of stress. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and schemes that can help parents and carers out financially during the school holidays.

Got a question? Speak to our dedicated advice team by calling free on 0808 2787 801.

Childcare costs

Paying for childcare during the school holidays can be challenging for many parents. If you use childcare vouchers, some holiday clubs and childminders will accept these. Working families may be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, a government childcare top-up, which can be used to help pay for accredited holiday clubs, childminders or sports activities. You can check your eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare here.

If you receive a childcare element of Universal Credit, you can claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs during term time and school holidays. 

If your child is eligible for free school meals, your local authority may offer subsidised childcare during school holidays. If you’re a Wigan Borough resident, your school should be able to support you to access this programme. You can speak to your school or email HAF@wigan.gov.uk for more information.

Food vouchers

The government is not directly funding food vouchers or packages for children receiving free school meals, unlike last summer. However, many councils are offering meal schemes to families who need them. Wigan Council is financially supporting families with children receiving free school meals over the school holidays with either a lump sum or Aldi shopping vouchers. If you think your child may be eligible for support, you can email wintergrantscheme@wigan.gov.uk for more information. 

Grants

If you’re worried about money during the school holidays, you can speak to your school’s parent teacher association (PTA) or family support worker for support. You can ask the school office for the contact details. 

You can also check whether you’re eligible for an educational trust or grant to help cover summer holiday costs. You can use the Educational Trusts’ Forum search tool to find out more. 

Uniform costs

Childcare and food aren’t the only costs worrying parents in the summer holidays. Preparing for the new school year can be expensive, particularly with uniform costs. If you’re on a low income, your local authority may offer support with buying school uniform. If they don’t offer support, speak to your child’s school. You can contact Wigan Council on 01942 489002 for more information.

If you need advice about a consumer issue, get in touch with the Citizens Advice Consumer service today:

Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133

Relay UK - if you can't hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then 0808 223 1133. You can use Relay UK with an app or a textphone. There’s no extra charge to use it. Find out how to use Relay UK on the Relay UK website. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Lines are closed on bank holidays.