To tell my boss I’m in very early pregnancy? (Self isolation?)

[Hoppyhops]

I’ve just found out (only on Sunday!) that I’m about 5/6 weeks pregnant with my first child so it’s very early days. I’m feeling quite anxious at the moment, after government’s advice for pregnant women to self isolate. I’m a secondary school teacher so am exposed to every bug and germ going, coming into close contact with about 150 kids a day.
In an ideal world, I wouldn’t have to say anything for a few weeks yet, keeping this to myself, but now I’m starting to wonder whether I should tell my boss. GP said it’s entirely up to me and I should follow government guidelines.
To add to my nerves, the National Education Union has posted a video tonight urging its vulnerable members to self isolate from next Monday at the very latest, pregnant women included.
Should I tell my boss? Should I be self isolating from next week? I’ve wanted this baby for so long and I just feel anxious.

Yes. In normal circumstances you would perhaps wait until you were further along, but these are not normal circumstances and you (and your baby) are more important. The school will continue to function without you - I mean that kindly and as a fellow secondary teacher. I fully expect schools to shut down soon anyway. Self isolate and refuse to feel guilty about it.
P.S congratulations on your lovely news!

I think you're right to tell your work but make sure you do so in writing.

In both my pregnancies I’ve told my boss before anyone else, because once they know you’re protected from discrimination. It doesn’t mean anyone else has to know, they could just tell your colleagues you had a cough so you’ve got to self-isolate.

Do what is best for you because you can bet your employer would let you go at a moments notice if it was in their best interests.

advice isn't to isolate but to practice social distancing - yes discuss it with your boss to work out how best to do this

Thanks for the advice. I think I’m going to have to tell my head and line manager then. I get why the government don’t want to close schools but it’s so difficult when you feel vulnerable but also guilty about not being there for the students. Hopefully I can be useful and get some work done at home though.

@ghostyslovesheets Yes, I get that, but it’s impossible for me to practise social distancing in myself job. You’re right, I just have to have that conversation and let them make the call.

I feel for you - I'm in a similar boat - got a meeting tomorrow in a tiny front room with 2 social workers, one carer and a child - I am 'at risk' according the advice yesterday - but work are being wishy washy about it 'well work at home if you can ...' so I'm just trying to be careful.

I work in a secondary school. We had guidance from our Local Authority this afternoon saying that all pregnant staff should be away from work.

They particularly specified that those in very early pregnancy should tell their Headteacher, and they have remind Heads to be discrete about new pregnancy news.

@ghostyslovesheets It’s horrible isn’t it and made even more difficult by no definitive decisions being made. Yes, take care and stay as safe as possible.

Offer to work from home - are you a teacher?
Putting together work packs for out of school students
Creating Displays
Researching resources
Home school communication

Make sure you have the facility to access your shared and personal files, and sims if you use it, at home.

And go home! Put yourself and your baby first.

@bananapyjama Thats interesting and good to know. Thanks for that. I feel better knowing that this is just something I HAVE to do and I’m not being over dramatic. I hate the thought of adding more stress to the head’s day when she’s dealing with enough as it is.

you too - and congrats on the pregnancy

Be clear that you want the exact reason for your absence kept confidential (obviously colleagues may suspect, but it could be a health condition they don't know about, and most will have the sense not to voice their suspicions).

Yes you must self-isolate for your own safety. Put it in writing (email) so you have a record, then any action they take will be covered by discrimination laws.

Get a head start on preparing home learning packs and putting together videos for your class. I can't imagine schools will stay open much longer.

Thanks, I feel reassured that telling her is for the best so I’ll do it in the morning.

Yes speak to boss but as a teacher expect to be told you will only get SSP if they have no work form home opportunities and depending on where you are In the pregnancy this could impact on your maternity pay.

@katmandoo Yes this was another fear I had. Not sure it will affect maternity pay, seems unreasonable in unprecedented circumstances but I expect it to affect sick pay, perhaps.

I would tell him. Please don’t take the risk and isolate yourself. You’re following government guidelines and have every right to protect yourself and your unborn baby.

Congratulations on your pregnancy

Office based here but all pregnant women were sent home on Monday.
You need to put yourself first

It shouldn't affect maternity pay or your pay much based on the burgundy book but I would personally check about the maternity pay once you have already begun self isolating with your boss by email. Congrats!

Put yourself first tell and gtf out of there.

I'm sure your boss will have the understanding that they have to be discreet. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Tell them and self isolate as per government guidelines.

I told my boss as soon as I found out with both pregnancies.

1. I work with food
2. I needed to avoid heavy lifting
3. I needed things put in place asap such as a chair to sit on, fans, ability to have breaks as need be.

I would be the first to bunker up if I was in your situation

Yes. Please tell them

Thanks everybody. Again, reassuring to hear that many of you would also be telling. A part of me (ridiculous I know) is superstitious and doesn’t want to tempt fate but I realise this is stupidly illogical and I must put myself and baby first. Luckily DH is very very logical and sensible and also keeps reassuring me that it’s best to tell.

My boss is a very reasonable woman and I know she will be totally supportive, it’s just the earliness of it all that was putting me off. I’m reassured now though, so thanks very much.

I told my line manager at 6 weeks, all three times. When I mc my 2nd pregnancy (at 13 weeks) they moved heaven and earth to look after me. With my 3rd pregnancy, I was a mess because I was so anxious. Again, they looked after me really well. I would say they are the people who need to know, especially in the current climate.