To be worried about returning to work as a secondary school teacher?

[worriedpregnantteacher]

I've just found out I'm pregnant and will be 11 weeks when term starts after the holidays. Am I being overly anxious to be worried about going to work? I'm going to be in a small, unventilated room (not allowed to keep the door open and the windows don't open properly) with up to 150 different unmasked students a day. I completely adore my job and am looking forward to going back in terms of seeing the students (I'm currently on mat leave and not working hasn't been great for my mental health), but am still worried about the prospect of inevitably catching covid over the winter to come.

AIBU in feeling worried about this? I can't think of many other professions where people are going to be so openly exposed to so many people regularly and without masks! Please can someone ease my anxiety a bit?

I’ve just discovered that there have only been 156 Covid cases in my borough since March which has given me much hope for school’s in my area come September and all local deaths were in care homes. Looking at the data for your area could be reassuring.

Thank you- I'll do that. I guess it's just that I know the numbers are low at the moment- but I just can't see us avoiding a second spike when the kids are all back and winter hits!

First of all, congratulations! YANBU. Have you told your headteacher yet? I'm hoping that they can reassure you by showing you the measures put in place to keep students and staff safe.

@Butmiss thank you! I'm excited for DC2!

No I haven't told her yet. I have a private early scan in a couple of weeks so I'll tell her after that and see what she says. They've already released their risk assessment and it looks from that that there's nothing else they can do- I will just be in that small room with all of those kids! The changes they have made won't really affect me.

I’m starting as a secondary teacher in September and our school has announced year group bubbles with children staying in one room all day and staff moving around. Is it possible yours will do similar?

@lilyboleyn
Ah congrats- are you an NQT then?

Yes they're mostly doing that, but I teach a practical subject and so I stay in my room and the kids all come to me. Meanwhile wandering through narrow corridors past other year groups on their way!

Ah, I see.
In which case I suppose it’ll be a case of windows open, not touching face, can you wear a visor at least? But yes, I echo your feelings. I think it’s a very small proportion of CV being passed on by younger people though... Hugs to you.
Not an NQT, 10 years as a primary teacher and utterly worn down by parents - hoping it’s a bit more sensible higher up 🙏🏼

Are you in a union?

Ask them whether they think you might have a case for medical suspension on maternity grounds.

I'll ask if I'm allowed to wear a visor. I do have concerns about the windows- I teach on the top floor and so the windows only open about an inch and then the wind constantly blows them shut sadly! Just can't see a way of keeping the room ventilated.

You'll love secondary- well I do anyway 😊

@SengaStrawberry

Yes I am. I'll give them a ring and see if they have any advice. It's such a shame as I was so looking forward to going back to work before all of this covid stuff hit.

Why can’t you have your door open?

@noblegiraffe

Because they carried out a fire risk assessment and told us we have to all keep our doors shut at all times in our building. Which also means all the students will be constantly touching the door handles.

Has that been weighed up against the Covid risk assessment, especially for a pregnant teacher?

I’d be asking about visors, a plastic screen around your desk, and get the caretakers to fix your windows so they can’t blow shut.

Apparently it has been weighed up against the covid risk, but not necessarily for pregnant teachers. I know I'm not the only one in the department not happy about it.

Those are all great ideas- thank you, will ask about them.

@worriedpregnantteacher it is worrying isn't it? And I think most people will understand your concerns! I'm primary myself and our headteacher has put a lot in place to keep staff safe. It's much trickier in a secondary school. Would wearing things like a mask and gloves make you feel safer?

Once you feel comfortable revealing your pregnancy with the school they will have to do a risk assessment for you, so I would expect to discuss these concerns with them at the time. They have a responsibility as your employer, but I understand it must be a concern.