How to Save Money on Holiday Childcare in Sussex

The school holidays can be one of the most expensive times of year for families. With six weeks to cover in the summer alone, many parents are searching for affordable childcare options that are flexible, reliable and genuinely enjoyable for children.

The good news is there are several ways families can reduce the cost of holiday childcare, from government support schemes to holiday club discounts and funded HAF places.

At V.I.M Holiday Club, we’re committed to helping families across Sussex access affordable, high-quality childcare throughout the school holidays. Here are some of the ways you could save:

Use Tax-Free Childcare to Reduce Costs

Many working parents are eligible for the government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which can help cover the cost of registered holiday clubs.

For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds an extra £2 up to a set yearly limit per child. The balance can then be used to pay your childcare bill.

As an Ofsted registered provider, we accept Tax-Free Childcare payments, helping families make significant savings across the summer break.
Use Childcare Vouchers

If your employer offers childcare vouchers through an existing scheme, these can also be used towards eligible V.I.M Holiday Club bookings.

As the value is generally deducted from your pay before tax is calculated, claiming and using vouchers is a simple way for many families to reduce out-of-pocket childcare expenses during the holidays.
Apply for HAF Funded Holiday Club Places

Families who qualify for benefit related free school meals or Pupil Premium as well as some other eligible children, may also be able to access free holiday club spaces during the Summer, Easter and Christmas holidays through the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme. Each child is entitled to claim up to 16 free sessions during summer alone so this make a big difference.

HAF-funded places provide children with exactly the same experience as any other child attending. They enjoy enriching activities, social opportunities and nutritious food together with no hidden catch and no hidden costs.

Families are encouraged to register early, as funded spaces can fill quickly so keep an eye on this page.
Take Advantage of Early Booking Discounts

Booking holiday childcare early can make a big difference to overall summer costs, especially over the summer. V.I.M Holiday Club sessions are always discounted when booked before the first of the month prior to the holiday. Families who help us to plan by booking well in advance (specific times will be advertised for each holiday club) will receive:

10% Off Early Bookings

This helps families to secure childcare at the best possible price while guaranteeing preferred dates and locations. Booking early also allows the cost to be spread across a monthly instalment plan to make it more manageable.
Book Full Weeks and Save

Families looking for consistent childcare throughout the holidays can also benefit from:

10% Off Whole Week Bookings

Please note: if sessions are cancelled later and this affects eligibility for the whole-week discount, usual session pricing will apply for the remaining sessions.

Affordable Summer Childcare Across Sussex

Alongside flexible savings options, V.I.M Holiday Club offers exciting, activity-packed summer holiday clubs designed to keep children active, creative and engaged throughout the school holidays.

Our holiday clubs currently run at:

Castlewood Primary School – Southwater
Hillside Scout Camp – Henfield
Queen’s Park Primary School – Brighton
Shoreham Beach Primary School – Shoreham by Sea
Warnham Primary School – Horsham
Woodingdean Primary School – Brighton

What Activities Are Included?

Each themed week is packed with activities children love, including:

Nature adventures and scavenger hunts
Sports and outdoor team games
Obstacle courses and relay races
STEM activities and Lego challenges
Arts, crafts and junk modelling
Water fun and giant bubbles
Archery and Nerf battles
Tie dye and clay creations
Storytelling and calm corners
Smoothie and pizza making
Summer celebration events

Our clubs are designed to give children a fun, active and social summer experience they will enjoy while giving parents dependable childcare they can trust.