From advice service MoneyHelper
Paul Fox, Regional Manager SW Money and Pensions Service, writes:
"In a little under a month 'school’s out for summer' – and I am sadly clearly showing my age by immediately thinking of Alice Cooper. However, for the majority of parents, fosterers, and carers across the South West it is likely you are starting to think about the impending summer holidays and how much that is going to cost.
"Many parents feel 'left in limbo' over the summer. Not everyone has grandparents or family who might be able to step in and support your needs. Some people will work overtime to save for the summer months and the children's many activities. But this can bring a lot of pressure because you don't want them missing out on anything that everybody else is doing.
"It's things like that you need to think about when it comes to money and cost of living challenges. This month is all about summer financial wellbeing support and some ideas to ease the pressure a little."
Holiday Activities and Food Programme
This programme is specifically targeted at children and young people eligible for free school meals from households with annual earnings of £7,400 or less, focusing on families facing the greatest levels of disadvantage. Providing free nutritious meals, enriching activities, and safe environments to eligible children during school holidays. This benefits their health, wellbeing, and readiness to learn.
In Cornwall the programme is known as Time2Move - visit their site to find out more and book places.
Great British Summer Savings Scheme
The Government is cutting VAT to save families money on days out by reducing costs of attractions and meals.
The scheme runs from 25th June to 1st September 2026, and also allows children aged five to 15 in England to travel free on local bus services throughout August.
How to budget for the school holidays
It’s understandable why parents worry about the financial cost of school holidays. Nearly half of parents reported that the cost of summer childcare along with shopping list of things to buy before children go back to school will put them in financial difficulty.
While extra costs cannot always be avoided you can plan ahead, so when the holidays roll around there is extra money to help give you some peace of mind. A popular method of saving is the ‘jam jar method’ where you divide your money into separate pots for different expenses. You can read more about it in MoneyHelper's guide managing your money using savings pots.
Childcare grants in the holidays
If you're on Universal Credit and in work, you can get some of your childcare costs paid back for children up to the age of 16. This is worth up to a maximum of £1,032 for one child and £1,769 for two or more children per month. You can claim just during school holidays, or throughout the year.
If you’re struggling and on a low income but not claiming Universal Credit, it is worth checking to see if you are eligible. Every year many people who could claim miss out because they don’t realise they are eligible. It is free to check and takes just 10 minutes.
Check now to see if you could get Universal Credit.
Low-cost holiday ideas
Going on holiday can seem like an impossible dream when you’re struggling to afford the basics, but there are some excellent deals and free activities that are well worth looking at. MoneySavingExpert has a comprehensive guide filled with tips and tricks for having a magical day out that doesn’t cost the earth.
More from MoneyHelper
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