NI summer scheme costs soar
Childcare cost concerns for parents across the province
Last updated 20th Jun 2019
Parents in Northern Ireland are facing an average weekly bill of £145 to secure childcare over the summer months.
A new survey by Employers For Childcare has highlighted the urgent issue for reform here, after it was revealed two in five households are turning to savings, credit cards and payday loans to cover the costs
In lone parent households, this rises to 51%.
It also revealed the cost of summer schemes has risen by £52 over the last decade.
The current weekly bill for the activities costs £145 on average. T
Aoife Hamilton, Policy and Information Manager at Employers For Childcare (pictured), explains:
"Securing suitable childcare can be extremely difficult during holiday periods, and one in two families with a school aged child reported their childcare costs increase during the school break.
"Others have highlighted difficulties in accessing the provision they need, pointing to a lack of holiday and wraparound childcare.
"Due to a shortfall in support for our vital childcare sector, the eight week school holiday which should be about fun and enjoyment can add stress and strain for many parents."
"While our research finds that families are struggling to afford the childcare they need, we also found that childcare providers are experiencing increased costs and challenges to their own sustainability.
"Some report that they feel they have no option but to leave the sector as they struggle to break even.
"This is unacceptable and fails to reflect the value of our vital childcare infrastructure, it’s clear this is an issue which demands urgent attention."
The charity is calling for urgent reform of the system here and wants to see a new childcare strategy, as well as a childcare Minister for Northern Ireland.
"In launching our 10th Northern Ireland Childcare Survey today in Parliament Buildings we are giving a voice to the thousands of parents and childcare providers who took part, bringing the evidence they have provided to the heart of Government.
"On (families and childcare providers) behalf we are calling for a fundamental overhaul of the system to ensure a high quality, sustainable childcare infrastructure that is affordable for parents to access, and for providers to deliver," she said.
Aoife added: "In the context of the current talks, our elected representatives must prioritise investment in childcare underpinned by a fully costed childcare strategy which learns from experiences in other jurisdictions and is supported by legislation."
Parents and carers can call Employers For Childcare’s Family Benefits Advice Service on Freephone 0800 028 3008 for free, impartial and confidential advice on the financial support available towards the cost of childcare and other family benefits.