Have you planned your Halloween half-term childcare?
Juggling childcare this Halloween half-term
As the Halloween half-term approaches, many parents are facing the challenge of arranging childcare during the school break. For some, this may be the first holiday period where they’ve had to put plans in place, especially if they usually rely on school-based childcare like breakfast or after school clubs, which often don’t run when schools are closed.
Taking time off work isn’t always an option, as not every parent has enough annual leave to cover school holidays. This means many families must look for alternative arrangements, often at additional cost. Holiday childcare can quickly add up, particularly if it’s needed for older children who don’t usually require care during term time.
Support with childcare costs
The good news is there is help available. Financial support towards the cost of registered childcare can include some holiday schemes, as well as year-round providers such as registered childminders, out of school clubs, and day nurseries. Depending on their circumstances, families may be able to access Universal Credit, Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers or Tax Credits to help with these costs. Now is the perfect time to check you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.
Finding childcare options
The Family Support NI website (www.familysupportni.gov.uk) is a useful tool for families. It allows you to search for all registered childcare providers in Northern Ireland, including holiday schemes.
Talking to your employer
If arranging childcare feels difficult, consider speaking to your employer about flexible options. This could mean working part-time, compressing your hours into fewer days, job sharing, or even working on a term-time only basis. Many employers are open to exploring arrangements that help parents balance work and family responsibilities.
Get advice
For tailored advice on what financial support your family may be entitled to—whether during school holidays or throughout the year—contact our Family Benefits Advice Service at fbas@employersforchildcare.org
