Teachers- when will I qualify for max maternity. Moved to academy school

[SurfingTheSouthWest]

Hi ladies,

I've been confused about this since I started job hunting a couple of years back.
I had been at my previous LA school for two years following a career break. I have just started a new position at an independent academy. It's not part of a normal chain of academies, it's independent. I have researched thoroughly and found no connection to an external company that fund the school (nor anything on their websit). Though, the school seems to do everything with the local authority - even the employment forms were LA ones! It became an academy a few years ago now so not too sure what the 'norm' is.
I can't find any info the policies anywhere and don't feel in a position to ask anybody given that I've just started. Have been pining for a baby for a while and feel its now the right time for me and DH.
I would like to ensure I get the full maternity package for financial reasons. Will they accept my continuous service with the LA school? Based on the burgundy book, as long as I've been there 26 weeks by the 15th week pre due date, I'll qualify for some money- so I as long as I conceive at least 2 weeks after my contract start.
I just want to ttc

Grateful for any advice.
Xoxox

You need to ask for their maternity policy. As an academy they can write their own; there is no requirement to follow the burgundy book.

Yes I gathered as much but not sure who's role that is in a school? Would like to keep it very quiet so would like to avoid asking people. I naively expected this type of thing to be more accessible and clearly locatable
Thanks for your response.

Ask HR. You will have one if it’s an academy, even if they outsource it. The business manager would probably be a good place to start. They would know where to get the information from.

@PotteringAlong as an update, they counted my continuous service and I'm on category 1 of burgundy book :)