To not take full bereavement leave?

[MelMar1]

I’m a teacher and our school offers 5 days for a bereavement of a grandparent, which unfortunately has occurred for me. AIBU to think I should go back sooner than five days, because that is the maximum? Or is it acceptable to take what is offered? I hate this teacher guilt at a time when I’m already so upset.

Take what you need whether that’s 1 day or 5 days. But do it for you not the children in your class. They’ll be fine with a supply for a few days.

Personally I’d only take less if I thought the distraction of work would be beneficial.

That's incredibly generous, where I work is good to the employees but even they wouldn't give a week off, is that at full pay?

Take what you need, do you have to commit to a number of days in advance?

Take what you need. My mom died in summer hols but funeral was delayed. I was told I was allowed 1 poxy day. When my partner died I didn't bother mentioning it. Well being is a tick box activity at my school

Find out what your school would offer the other staff in the same circumstances, and what they’d offer support staff for the loss of a husband or child.

Im a TA and I took two unpaid days off when my closest grandparent died. One to be there on the day of her death and one for her funeral.

Take it if you feel it would be helpful. ❤️

I think take what you need, if you're ready to go back earlier that's fine. I was OK in the immediate aftermath (had to be tbh as we don't get leave for bereavements where I am) but then had to clear out 2 houses (on 2 separate occasions) over weekends which was incredibly stressful and upsetting so a couple of days would have been hugely helpful

Thanks all. To those asking, yes it is on full pay. It is not just my school, it is Department of Education Policy. I am in Ireland, so I’m aware it might be different in the UK.

Yes, that's such a horrible task, isn't it? I hated doing that.