There is a big difference between wrap around care for school and its costs compared to £50 per day per child for holidays clubs, and many of them do not accept tax free childcare payments (my youngest daughter does a premiership football club camp) which is shorter in length and doesn’t accept payments from my tax free childcare account.
The existing six weeks holidays already has a negative impact on children’s education:
What is the Summer Slide?
The summer slide refers to the academic skills and knowledge that students lose when they are away from school for an extended period, like the summer break. It's a well-documented phenomenon, with studies showing that students can lose significant ground in their learning, particularly in math and literacy. This loss can lead to a struggle to re-engage with learning when school resumes.
How significant is the Summer Slide?
The extent of learning loss varies, but some research indicates that:
Students may lose an average of one month of academic progress during the summer.
In some cases, students can lose up to two grade levels of reading skills by the end of Year 6 if they don't engage in learning activities during the summer.
Factors contributing to the Summer Slide:
Lack of structured learning:
The absence of a consistent school routine and structured learning environment can contribute to forgetting previously learned material.
Limited access to resources:
Some students may not have access to books, educational materials, or technology at home, which can hinder their ability to maintain their skills.
Reduced opportunities for practice:
Summer holidays often mean less opportunity to practice reading, writing, and mathematical skills, leading to a decline in proficiency.