Working parents, childcare and pre/teens

[okitoki]

Hello. DC1 who is 12 is starting to bemoan holiday activity clubs. He attends a great sports camp with his siblings and they cater for children up to 14 years old. My son would like to stay at home from next year. Technically I have no objection, he's very sensible boy, uses his initiative well and can prepare himself a basic meal. My problem is left to his own devices he'd be sat on the sofa with PS3, iPad and phone ALL DAY LONG, EVERYDAY. I've told him I will only consider it if he ropes in friends for daily activities i.e. swimming, bowling, movies, football up the park but I just don't believe he'll do it without me standing over him. So working parents what do your pre/young teens do during the holidays?

My pre- teen princess is allowed to be home alone for a couple hours here and there, but not a full day for the reasons you mention. Her dad is usually home, but doesn't really engage with them much. So I keep her signed up with activities which accept most or all of the day.

My son is 11.5 years and he is moaning about holiday clubs and going to the childminder but I wouldn't want to leave him all day just yet. It is a long time to be left. I am out of the house 8am-6pm (sometimes later) so I am very reluctant to leave him.
I would still use the sports camp until 14. If there are any days where he would be alone for 1/2 a day then ok but not a full day.
There seems to be a LACK of childcare for this age group.