With fewer schools running children’s summer clubs this year, I imagine some of you are currently struggling to find an alternative.

I was too until I happened to be chatting to another Dad in the playground recently. He mentioned that his son was going to specially arranged summer sports sessions at our local leisure centre. The sessions are held throughout the summer and are being run by a company called Little Superstars. I saw this as the perfect opportunity for my youngest son to finally have some tennis lessons, something I’ve been keen for him to do for a while.

It turned out that a few of his friends were intending to do the sessions, so we signed them all up for the same 2 weeks this summer. I’m hoping he’ll have the makings of a Wimbledon champion once the summer’s over.

So if you’re stuck for childcare, why not contact your local sports centre and see what’s on offer.

And remember, if you’re not using your vouchers for summer camps and clubs, you can bank them and use them in the new school year – it’s a great way to get a head start.

I thought you might be interested in the recent report from the Family and Parenting Institute – The UK Family Friendly Report Card. They’ve looked at factors affecting families in the UK and graded them from A – D. The verdict: a very disappointing C-.

The report looks at the cost of raising a child, maternity and paternity leave and work/life balance – that phrase again sorry! Of most interest to me was the cost of raising a child until they’re 21 which they’ve valued at £800 a month and since last year, the cost of nursery places in the UK has increased by 5.1%. It’s little wonder that people find themselves torn between returning to work and staying at home.

As you know, when you’re a parent every penny counts and there are plenty of ways to save on childcare and out of school activity costs; childcare vouchers are a good example. But if you’re unsure of your options, speak to childcare professionals or ask your employer what’s available to you. You might find that you’re able to make a significant saving on your monthly childcare costs.

I was reading this morning that the Government has ordered a review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guidance. The guidance includes learning goals for children under 5 and has historically split opinion amongst parents and childcarers. Some think it offers children the best start in life regardless of their background, whilst others believe the targets are unattainable and result in carers spending too much time pen pushing.

Dame Clare Tickell, chief executive of the charity Action for Children, will review the guidelines with the aim of establishing whether the framework is based on the latest research and whether it’s in the best interests of our young children.

You can read the full article on the BBC’s website.

What do you think to the EYFS and the planned review? Let me know your thoughts here, or on Twitter @CCVouchers.

Following the budget announcement this afternoon it is apparent that belts will be being tightening in households across the country.

Whilst some benefits have changed, or been frozen – including a freeze on child tax benefits for the next three years – families can still take full advantage of those benefits that remain available to them.

Thousands of families who could benefit from childcare vouchers are not using them – and thousands more do not realise that they could be using them right up until their children are aged 16.

I would actively encourage parents to speak to their employers to determine how they could benefit from a scheme that does so much to help so many – but could help many more.

Over the past week, I’ve juggled after-school club, my son’s tennis training and several work commitments with trying to make sure I make it to the “Dad’s at School Day”. I made it – but by the skin of my teeth and the latter happily covered in modelling clay! I have to say that my wife juggles even more, and certainly more effectively, than I do.

It got me thinking about how much time your average working Mum or Dad spends organising childcare and managing the work/life balance (sorry to use the dreaded term).

It’d be great to hear some of your experiences and I’ve created a very short survey which you can access here, or by clicking the button on the right hand side. It’ll take you no longer than 1 minute to complete (I am sure you’re all busy people) and all responses are anonymous.

Thank you!