The break is too long for the children and should be shared out between seasons more time off at Christmas would be easier.

The pressure to take days out and the more food needed adds to the stress of financial poverty because there is on top the issue of new school uniform. People think that new school uniform has to be bought this is in your face in the shops and supermarkets which again adds to financial struggles. Schools and media should be encouraging parents to only buy if needed if uniform still fits don’t buy new, if you have uniform that’s in good condition that doesn’t fit pass it on.

I personally feel the summer break for some families is way too much, they are struggling with money already and 6 weeks of bored children nagging for sweets, days out, snacks, is not good on mental health when they simply cannot afford the demands the break brings. Then schools are sat empty when could be utilised for fun activities for families and lunches served to those struggling.

It would be interesting to know if foodbank use is higher in school holidays!

Yes, as a single father to three daughters which are now at university and my youngest is 15 but also has additional learning difficulties. And myself, I'm registered disabled with bilateral osteoarthritis in both my knees and carpal tunnel syndrome. I don't get any me time unfortunately anymore. There is a very much lack of youth services in my borough and there is absolutely zero for SEN children. So literally the only time I get alone is when my daughter's at school, as my bigger two daughters have now left and gone to university. But I don't now get any time alone at all. And in my free time, when my daughter's at school, it's mainly housework. The only time I used to get sort of 'me time' was when I was able to work at a local charity shop. But unfortunately, due to my health, that job went by the wayside a couple of years ago, but that was the only time I had adult time and grown up time for me. But apart from that, no, I don't have any time at all for myself due to lack of youth services.