I frequently grumble about the price of childcare in the UK, especially compared with other European countries. But rather than complaining, some smart parents are simply making the most of European prices – by taking their children to holiday clubs in France and Belgium, rather than here.
While UK summer holiday childcare costs families an average of £191 weekly, rising to £226 in the south east, according to figures by children’s charity Coram, the price in France is closer to £60 to £80 for the week. Most camps include three course meals, too. Meanwhile, parents get to spend time in mainland Europe while working remotely or taking a break themselves. Many families combine clubs with their own family holidays. The huge plus is that their children return home with excellent language skills.
Claire Crowley, a communications specialist and solo mum who lives in London with her son Dominic, almost 14 and daughter Henrietta, who is five, has been taking her children to holiday camps abroad each summer since her son was two.
“My kids really enjoy the clubs,” she says. “My children might think they’re doing a sports club, or going out to explore, but in my mind it’s a week long French lesson – and most of them only cost £80 per week.” They’ve visited chateaux, museums, aquariums and vineyards by private coach, been ice skating and swimming, and had performing artists come in for specialist workshops. “It’s always really structured with a clear rhythm to the day. The food is extraordinary, too,” she says. “In France, they have mouthwatering menus.”
