FOR many working parents the words summer holiday mean stress and worry rather than relaxation and fun.
Those restricted to two weeks off work while their children enjoy about six weeks of freedom from lessons must find a way to buy, beg and borrow five weeks of childcare. Most rely on a patchwork of grandparents, childminders and holiday playschemes, with the more fortunate able to reduce their working hours. As a result of councils increasing fees by 22%, the average cost for holiday care in Scotland, whether run by local authorities, community organisations or a private arrangement, is now £99.58 a week. For a family with two children and no grandparents sufficiently able or within reach, that means paying around £1000 for childcare over the summer.
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