MOST children love after-school clubs and they can be great help for working parents too.
But these added activities can leave a serious dent in your finances.
Five cheap ways for parents to save on kids’ after-school clubs[/caption]
Here’s how to save.
TAX-FREE: Eligible parents get an extra £2 for every £8 paid into their tax-free childcare account up to £2,000 a year.
This can help bring down childcare bills.
But it’s not just for nursery, many after-school clubs and camps will accept payments through tax-free childcare accounts, saving you cash.
SCHOOL RULES: Clubs run by your school are often cheaper than similar sessions run by private companies.
Take a look at what yours offers and compare costs.
Local leisure centres can also be cheaper for sports activities such as swimming than those offered elsewhere.
Many local authorities offer free sessions or clubs too, particularly for low-income households.
SECOND-HAND: Some of the gear needed for clubs can feel almost as expensive as the sessions.
Help bring down costs by looking for second-hand sports equipment.
For any special uniforms ask in local parent community groups if anyone has outfits they no longer need.
Chances are you can find much cheaper than buying brand new.
PARENT SWAP: If you know a parent or two who you trust to look after your child, why not team up and take it in turns to look after each other’s kids to save cash?
You could hold a makeshift art club by planning a few crafty activities to do each week.
Or cooking sessions with little ones is another activity you could easily run from your own home.
TRIAL SESSIONS: Most clubs offer free trials before you need to sign up for a term or block of lessons.
Trial a few options in your area to find the most suitable activity for your child.
Ask about early-bird sign ups or group and sibling discounts to help trim costs.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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