Pregnancy- Signed off Work

[CookieTea]

Hello all

I am 20 weeks pregnant and i have been referred to OT for my Risk Assessment by my Head of the school where i work as a SEN teacher. It turns out OT said i should not be working physically in the school until my maternity leave. So i was VERY relived with this because it really reduces the risk and allows me to work from home.

I wonder if other teachers or those who are able to work from home but are not being allowed to? If thats the case i recommend you to inisist on being referred to OT and push to work from home for your safety and the baby.

I’m am also a teacher in a SEN school. Had really tough time. Told head was pregnant (4weeks) super early as wanted risk assessed, didn’t get one till 11 weeks.

I have really violent children in my class (I am hit/kicked/bit on a weekly base). Risk assessment concluded I need to remove self from room when children show distress. I obviously raised that I might not be able to leave class in time/exit blocked ec. I also can’t always tell when children are about to “blow”.

I ended up being signed off for two weeks with anxiety and stress. I’m awaiting call from doctors today to discuss further.

I want to work but it isn’t safe (even had union rep in meeting who unfortunately didn’t understand the school setting and risk children pose). Union rep after meeting suggest I sign off work as I “get 100 days sick anyway”.....felt so letdown as I want to be in work and I’m only off as school not addressing my risk.

I feel so let down by school as told no possibility that I am allowed to remote teach/work from home/relocate role and must remain in class. I’m only off with anxiety due to situation at work.

I hope that I get a OT referral as I believe that they would also see the risks. Work gave me assess to 8 sessions of therapy with independent therapists who was horrified about my situation and completely understood.

I am hoping that when I get to 20 weeks (currently 14.4), I will feel more secure and baby will be safer... I might then try return but it’s all very scary

I’ve spoke to doctor today who has signed me off till April.

Difficult as they kept saying I shouldn’t be in the class but I explained that work will not budge. Doctor suggested I take early maternity but I don’t want to as baby is due end of august so would not make sense.

It’s hard being signed off but I know that I’ll be paid and it won’t effect my maternity allowance. I also know it’s the safest thing for my baby