I am a band 4 NHS worker. Currently almost 6 months into maternity leave with 2nd child. Due back mid Feb 2026. I was working 30 hours over 4 days and ideally would like to work 3 days around 22.5 hours. DP works away Monday - Friday and I know I’m going to find it really hard to juggle everything and then my oldest will be starting school in 2026 and pick ups/drop offs will all fall on me. I think they are highly likely to say no, but I’d like to request this anyway and then I can figure out what to do from there. I’ve been putting it off because I’m worried about the answer. I haven’t heard or been in touch with my manager since I was last at work and wondering what is the best way to approach this? Do I ask to speak to my manager first to chat about it and then put a request in? Or just put the request in? If they say no is it then just a case of looking for another job closer to the time? Any advice around this would be welcome! I’ve never put in a flexible working request before so not too sure about it. Thanks!