As the nation’s schools closed for the summer yesterday, many parents will be digging deep into their pockets to ensure that their children aren’t just sitting around all day doing nothing, but instead providing them with an educational summer.
Parenting on Female First
The study from Parragon Books reveals that parents across the country are set to fight educational decline by spending £1.9bn on educational pursuits during the six week break.
The average British child will receive over £5 per day, totalling to £228 being lavished on their educational pursuits.
Parents feel the pressure to spend a lot of money during the summer holidays as 23% admit to spending more than they would like.
The need to spend money on “educational investment” comes as 47% of parents are worried their children will fall behind in their education by the time they return for the new school year in September.
Parents are also alert to the possibility of their child falling behind compared to other children with 34% worrying that other parents are investing more time and money in their child’s education than they are able to during the summer.
Some parents are taking extra measures, with 13% planning a private tutor to help their children stay ahead this summer.
Many parents are actively planning pursuits to keep their child entertained and occupied as 93% have already planned activities.
Nearly 29% are planning trips to sites of educational interest, whilst 16% will send their child to summer school. A highly organised 7% of parents have planned activities for every week of the holidays.
Parragon Books’ Educational Consultant Geraldine Taylor, who consulted on the new Gold Stars range said: "As this research shows, many parents actively fear the summer holidays. It's a tough ask for parents to keep their children both entertained and stimulated during the lengthy six week break from school. However, reinforcing the good practices of term time needn't be too time-consuming, arduous or expensive. I am so pleased that Parragon - with their 'Summer With Gold Stars Challenge' - have highlighted just how much learning, consolidation and development can be achieved in a short, regular time over the holidays.
"It should be borne in mind that children do need a break from more formal learning as imagination and creativity depend on it. The 'Summer With Gold Stars Challenge' allows for structured learning alongside a full and fun summer holiday. Parents can rest easy in the knowledge their children are continuing to learn and develop, whilst having fun, enjoying the long summer break."
Parragon Books is launching its ‘Summer with Gold Stars’ Challenge to show that supporting a child’s learning over the summer break needn’t be expensive, arduous or time-consuming.
For more information on the Gold Stars range, visit: www.parragon.com/goldstars.
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