Relatives saving Scottish parents almost £3,000 on childcare costs every year - BoS

The bank’s research polled more than 2,000 people across Scotland to get under the skin of the issues that really matter to Scottish people, from housing to happiness and schools to financial security.

The study found that almost half (48 per cent) of Scottish families rely on relatives to provide some element of their childcare, whilst only one in ten (10%) families turn to paid childcare workers to provide part of their childcare.

The research found that family members spend an average 13 hours a week providing childcare. With the average cost of childcare in Scotland now £4.19 an hour for each child1, this equates to a saving of approximately £2832 a year per child.

When asked, over a half of grandparents (54 per cent) said that they helped provide childcare for their grandchildren. Grandparents were found to provide the most amount of childcare, at seven hours per week, with other relatives making up the balance, providing six hours of childcare each week.

Children spend a similar amount of time with paid childcare workers – an average of 14 hours per week.

Mike Moran, director Bank of Scotland, said: “Starting a family is an exciting adventure, but also comes with plenty of challenges.

“Childcare costs can soon mount up so having the support of the wider family can ease financial pressure and give parents the opportunity to be more flexible when it comes to work commitments.

“Creating a budget that includes all household outgoings including childcare costs can help families manage their money.”