I took a month of unpaid parental leave to look after my daughter for the summer holidays.

“Schools are basically functioning as centers of social support and learning,” he tells me.

According to Elliott Major, the reason why UK state schools have long summer holidays stems from the practice of private schools giving their pupils a long break for seasonal travel.

Today, wealthy families can easily afford to enroll their children in cultural venues for sports camps, arts activities and summer vacations — all things that contribute to a better education, says Elliott Major.

Local authorities often organize activities in their schools and libraries, but many still ask parents to pay a fee to register their children.

Bain, who lives in Cheshire and has children of all ages, finds it difficult to keep them “motivated and entertained” for six weeks, given their varied needs.

“You have to go out and find free activities, as well as paid ones,” she says.

Heppppt, who lives in Yorkshire, switched jobs after taking unpaid parental leave last summer and is now able to spend more time at home with her son.

Her daughter attends activity days, from arts and crafts experiences to bush visits, but prices vary depending on the length of a school day (£25) or the length of a working day (£35).

“We pick and choose what[activity days]she wants to participate in, rather than because I have to work and have childcare for her,” Hepptpool said.