Parental leave?

[TheletterZ]

Has anyone taken parental leave as a teacher?

My daughter is suffering from low mood and expressing suicidal thoughts and school (we are at the same place) said it was better for her to be at home for safety reasons. They have been brilliant (there are good schools out there!) and I was at home with my daughter the week before half term, with nothing other than supportive messages.

I might not need it, but if she is still not well enough to go back to school after half term my taking a week (or maybe two) as parental leave might be a better option for everyone. I know I can’t give the required 21 days notice but that can’t be helped for illness.

Anyone any experience in taking parental leave?

[TheletterZ]

Anyone?

[sakura06]

So sorry to hear you and your DD are going through this. Didn't want to read and run. I've not had experience of this but it might be best to talk to your line manager if they're approachable? Or your union?

[PinkSparkleUnicorns]

I have not done this but can't imagine a reasonable head would say no? We're in a teaching crisis, they have to start looking after the ones they've got x

[TheletterZ]

Thank you. I've just sent an email to our DSL who wants my daughter to see the GP before returning to school so I will definitely be off on Monday and probably Tuesday as well.

Not ideal, especially with year 11 - we still have topics to cover - but that really can't be helped.

This really has blown up out of nowhere - 4 weeks ago there was no sign of anything being up at all. Christmas was great. It has been such a quick spiral downwards with no obvious trigger. It just makes me feel like such a useless parent that I can't help her with this.

And a really useless teacher - after missing a week I am struggling with useful cover work!

[sakura06]

Don't worry about your exam classes. They will cope with a week without you! Your daughter and your own well-being are so much more important. You can't be a good teacher without looking after yourself first (and by extension your family). Hope your DD feels better soon.

[sakura06]

PS You're neither a useless teacher nor a useless mother. You clearly care deeply about both roles.

[TheletterZ]

Been in this morning, had to drop my son off, and printed all my cover work for the next few days.

[Luunaa]

Sounds like a really difficult situation to be in OP and I'm sure you're doing your best to cover all bases. It's hard to be torn between Mum life and career. Make sure you have some self care too.

Hope your Head is supportive.

[TheletterZ]

She saw the specialist yesterday and will need an extended time of school as she can’t be trusted she can’t be left alone. I have a meeting with the head tomorrow and hopefully we can agree to a sabbatical. So much to think about!

[TheletterZ]

Saw the head today, very positive meeting as much as it can be! It has been agreed that I will step out of school until the end of the summer term, with the option of coming back earlier if it works out well.

Very relieved as it had been playing on my mind, but also feeling completely drained and knackered now!

[captainflash]

From a member of SLT, I would also consider getting yourself signed off if this continues in the longer term.

We had a teacher last year with a poorly daughter and after managing with odd parental leave, she was signed off herself with the stress of the illness. She was off for a couple of months looking after her daughter and we were able to cover her absence in the longer term and claimed on our school insurance.
We were really supportive of giving her all the time she needed and this way worked out well for everyone.

I wish you all the best- for you and your daughter.

[LolaSmiles]

I'm so glad the meeting went well. It's nice to see and hear stories from good schools with supportive heads.

In all of this remember to look after yourself as you can't pour from an empty glass.

All the best for your daughter.

[TheletterZ]

@captainflash I have been given extended leave / sabbatical until the end of the summer term. Which is a huge relief in one way but extreme disappointing in others - I would very much prefer to be in school. Both as I actually enjoy my job and that would mean I have a well daughter.

I work in a boarding school and run GCSE astronomy 🔭 on Saturday mornings and as my husband is home then I will continue with this. How sad is it that the day I can take a break and I have chosen to go into school? 😜

[captainflash]

Sorry I missed that at the end of your post. I’m so glad the school is being supportive. Wish you both all the best

[TheletterZ]

Had a lovely day in school today, teaching astronomy. Really nice to get out of the house and back into the classroom. Students were a bit curious about my absence but accepted that for personal reasons I have to be off and they would have a teacher very soon.

[PotteringAlong]

Gcse astronomy sounds amazing! I didn’t even know it existed!

Glad you had a good day

[TheletterZ]

Well, I have been off for a 2 and a half weeks now, (plus half term). Today is the first day I am really feeling quite down about everything. I need to walk the dog but it feels like too much hassle!

Daughter is much the same,but I knew it wasn’t going to be quick!