Pregnant teachers returning in September?

[IlanaWexler]

I'll be heavily pregnant in September and although I've been working from home since March, I have been told I will be expected to return to school when/if it re-opens (with a risk assessment in place). Is anyone else in a similar situation?

My pregnancy is high risk so I wouldn't feel comfortable going in and I'll most likely have to start my maternity leave early (& therefore miss out on pay) when I could easily continue working from home, making resources etc. It's frustrating.

Sorry I don’t have any direct advise but I was under the impression that if a workplace cannot offer you safe working circumstances in pregnancy you should be put on to sick pay they cannot make you start your maternity leave early unless you are off sick beyond week 36 I think so how far along will you be?

Best have a look through the maternity action website as they have lots of information.

OP now the guidance has been released this may answer your question;

www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools#section-2-school-operations

Under section 2 titled School operations there is a section specifically for pregnant staff.

It says they can go to work as long as they are able to maintain social distancing as much as possible and their workplace is COVID-19 Secure.

Presumably schools will be considered "COVID secure" even if in reality social distancing is going out the window

Sorry, that’s not a great situation to be in.
How far gone till you be? Are you primary or secondary?

35 weeks, secondary

Ah I would have said if it’s primary it might not be too bad since bubbles are small.
But with secondary bubbles being entire year groups and the greater likelihood that these children would be using public transport to get to school I can understand your concerns. Presumably you could easily be teaching children across the school so the bubbles don’t really have as much of an affect.

In your shoes, especially given you’re high risk I would ask for a risk assessment that specifically acknowledged your greater risks. Would it be possible to ask your consultant/midwife/GP their opinion on your working conditions? They may sign you off if they deem it too great a risk (your work could still start your mayernity from 36 weeks but it would give you that extra week buffer)
Otherwise I suppose I would just take maternity early. I know it’s frustrating but it’s better to be safe.
I suppose there’s a chance baby could come early anyway which might feel less like you’re missing out on mat leave with baby.