With the summer holidays coming up (or already underway in Scotland) it’s set to be an expensive few months for parents . However, anyone with kids will be glad to know Martin Lewis is on hand to help ease the financial burden. In the latest edition of his newsletter , the Money Saving Expert founder shared a range of tips and tricks that’ll keep costs down while keeping your little ones occupied.
And with the cost of childcare reaching £943 per school-age child over the six-week break – before you factor in activities and extra meals – his advice is certainly welcome. Martin urged parents to take advantage of schemes to reduce the cost of childcare for under-11s (and under-16s with disabilities) which many don’t realise are available year-round, alongside applying for holiday support via The Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF). This is available for all children who are eligible for free school meals, and offers access to enriching activities as well as at least one free meal a day for four weeks over summer.
You need to apply to the HAF, as enrolment isn’t automatic, so you should contact your local council to see how the process works in your area. Since some authorities have deadlines on when you need to apply, it’s important to do so ASAP. In terms of saving on food, Martin also recommends the breakfast club scheme at Morrisons , where you can ask staff for a Kellogg’s breakfast in any of its 398cafés for a free bowl of cereal, alongside the Tesc.
