PARENTS know all too well that keeping kids entertained over the summer holidays can be pricey.
The cost of childcare alone can cost around £1,039 for the six weeks of the break, and that is not to mention days out and other activities.
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And many activity camps for children can be costly too, but that does not mean your child has to miss out.
There are loads of free classes available for families across countless areas in the UK.
Below we round up the best classes for kids this summer that cost nothing at all.
FREE FOOTBALL COACHING
McDonald’s runs free football classes for children aged 5 to 11 years old.
The programme lasts for 10 weeks and usually runs for an hour.
The event is hosted at local stadiums across the UK.
The sessions, which are open to all abilities, are running from March to July.
They are delivered by FA-qualified coaches at more than 1,600 locations nationwide.
You can find out more by visiting www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/football/fun-football-centres.
FREE COURSES FOR TEENAGERS
Islington Council runs a number of free courses for teenagers and young adults through its Summerversity scheme.
In the past, classes have included archery, football camp and photography lessons.
You can book a maximum of eight courses to keep your teenager entertained over the holidays.
You can sign up by visiting www.summerversity.co.uk/
Of course you will need to live in the London borough to get access to the scheme.
But if you don’t it may be worth ringing up your local council to see if it runs a similar event.
FREE BOXING CAMP
Sporting Aid in Waltham is running a free boxing camp for those aged 10-16.
The event is run every Saturday at 12:00pm at the Waltham Cross Playing Fields Car Park.
No prior experience is required so it may be a great way for your little one to be introduced to the sport.
You can sign up for the event by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk.
FREE SUMMER CAMP
Music charity Vache Baroque runs a completely free summer camp for children in St Giles.
The event runs from Monday 18 – Friday August 22 and includes a hot meal. It is for children aged 9–14.
Children will participate in a number of activities including singing, arts and crafts and circus skills
They can also take part in an optional performance with professional orchestra in its summer circus-opera on Sunday September 7.
You can find out more by visiting, vachebaroque.com.
What help is available for parents?
CHILDCARE can be a costly business. Here is how you can get help.
- 30 hours free childcare – Parents of three and four-year-olds can apply for 30 hours free childcare a week.
To qualify you must usually work at least 16 hours a week at the national living or minimum wage and earn less than £100,000 a year. - Tax credits – For children under 20, some families can get help with childcare costs.
- Childcare vouchers – If your employer offers childcare vouchers you can get up to £55 a week in tax and national insurance savings.
You pay for your childcare before your tax contributions are taken out.
This scheme is open to new joiners until October 4, 2018, when it is planned that tax-free childcare will replace the vouchers. - Tax-free childcare – Available to working families and the self-employed, for every £8 you put in the government will add an extra £2.