A Guardian analysis of data collected by the children’s charity Coram has revealed that the annual cost of after-school care for children aged 5 to 11 in England has risen by 42% over the past decade, outstripping general inflation and squeezing household budgets. The average yearly bill now stands at £2,636, up 5% from the previous year, with some regions reporting costs exceeding £2,800 per child.
The figures cover after-school care only and exclude the cost of breakfast clubs, extracurricular activities, and holiday clubs, meaning the total outlay for childcare is likely even higher for many families. The sharp rise comes as the cost-of-living crisis continues to pressure UK households, with energy, food, and housing costs also remaining elevated.
Childcare campaigners argue that the escalating costs are forcing more parents — particularly mothers — to reduce their working hours or leave the workforce entirely, undermining government efforts to boost economic growth and close the gender employment gap. The data shows no sign of a slowdown, with the 5% annual increase in the past year alone outpacing wage growth in many sectors.
The government has introduced some measures to support families, such as expanded free childcare hours for three- and four-year-olds and some support for two-year-olds. However, after-school care for school-age children has not received the same level of subsidy, leaving many parents to shoulder the full market cost.
Regional disparities are also evident. In London and the South East, where property prices and wages are highest, after-school care bills tend to be significantly above the national average. In contrast, some northern and rural areas report lower costs, though availability can be patchy.
The Coram data is widely used by policymakers and campaigners as a benchmark for the state of childcare affordability in England. The charity has repeatedly called for greater investment in wrap-around care for school-age children, warning that the current system is failing both families and providers.
Providers themselves are facing rising costs — including higher staff wages, rent, and insurance — which are being passed on to parents. Many after-school clubs operate on thin margins and have warned that without increased public funding or tax relief, further price rises are inevitable.