caba offers seasonal back to school payments plus year-round financial and well-being support. Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com.

Occupational charity caba has urged parents and guardians across the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) community to check for available financial aid to reduce the pressure of the school holidays and the return to the classroom.

The appeal comes as many households continue to struggle with rising childcare and holiday expenses.

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caba cited new research from Monzo that shows that almost three-quarters (74%) of parents have seen the cost of summer activities go up in recent years.

Nationwide, meanwhile, reported that 72% of parents in low-income households are worried about covering essential bills this summer and 60% are concerned about childcare costs.

caba said that last year it supported more than 100 families, providing in excess of £40,000 in financial assistance to help reduce stress during one of the most expensive periods of the year.

In 2026, the charity wants to reach more families and is encouraging those in the ICAEW community to come forward and use the support on offer.

To help manage seasonal pressures, caba runs a back to school payment alongside its year-round financial and well-being services.

Eligible parents can apply for up to £250 ($336) per child to help pay for school uniforms, PE kits, stationery and family outings during the school holidays.

Demand for the back to school payment has increased by 65% over the past five years, which the charity says reflects the growing financial pressures facing families in the profession.

This year, the value of the payment has been raised by 50% to keep up with the cost of living.

caba Support Services head Ola Opoosun said: “Our research shows that 68% of accountants are reluctant to seek help for personal financial issues.

“However, we want parents, carers and guardians across the ICAEW community to know they don’t have to face these pressures alone.

“The back to school payment has supported families since 2022, and we have now helped more than 365 families across the ICAEW community.

“Summer should be a time for making memories with family, not worrying about how to pay for school uniforms or childcare.”