To want to wfh in third trimester

[toadstool32]

So at one point it was a thing, now it's just "guidance". I'm a teacher in a school rife with it so no option to work from home. Despite occupational health reviews we're (several pregnant staff) still expected in as normal. Really really hoping Boris reinstates it.

If the government reinstated the recommendation to work from home "where possible" it wouldn't help you, because your school could still argue that it isn't possible for you to do your job from home.

You can start your maternity leave as early as 29 weeks. If it's really an issue, I'd suggest asking if you can start your leave early, as a PP suggested.

The expectation is that you take all your jabs & if you’re still concerned you take your mat leave early so the school can hire a proper teacher in your absence. It’s not fair on your class to have a wfh teacher.

[quote OnceuponaRainbow18]@toadstool32

You made a big mistake by mentioning you’re a teacher…. Never will end well.[/quote]
Meanwhile I know many carers who have no choice but to go in pregnant and often without even their boosters because else they won’t get paid. Pregnant teachers aren’t the only at risk group.

That’s not really fair on the OP though, @GiltEdges

In one of my DCs schools teachers that are isolating because they have covid but well enough are delivering lessons via video link (they can't get supply), so I really don't see why pregnant teachers couldn't do that too. They can set and mark work from home.

It's really not beyond human intelligence to figure out something safer for pregnant women (and their babies) in their last trimester in this situation.

What is lacking is the will to do it.

Any real risk assessment will show the risks are very high to you and your baby. Unacceptably high. You could ask to see their risk assessment then take it apart bit by bit.

Sorry for your situation OP. In your shoes there's no way I'd be going in, especially with this new variant which we don't know yet the impact of (and whether it's more or less severe). What does your union say? Failing all else could you get your GP to sign you off? Most doctors are more clear sighted on the risks of covid to pregnant women than the DfE, and I bet most GPs would do this.

The problem is that the class still need to be supervised, so it isn’t really just delivering live lessons, which are not really ideal for everyone.

Get signed off sick with stress, OP. Wouldn’t ever normally say that but this is a H&S issue for pregnant women and it isn’t your fault that the guidance is inadequate.

I totally understand why anyone would prefer to wfh if they can but I don't understand how it's logistically possible for you to do so, obviously you can set work, plan lessons etc but who will be supervising the classroom and delivering the lessons if you are home?

@Catfog

Get signed off, sick leave when pregnant doesn't count towards your record. Unpopular I know but fuck that, look after yourself and your baby.

I agree with this

@Thebackofbeyondandback

The problem is that the class still need to be supervised, so it isn’t really just delivering live lessons, which are not really ideal for everyone.

This is an issue but I bet it's easier to get cover for someone just to supervise the kids than a qualified subject teacher.

Given how difficult things are in schools with teachers off and lack of supply teachers, you think they'd be doing everything they can to ensure well qualified good subject teachers can do so safely. OPs hardly going to be delivering the best lessons in school if she's justifiably worried about her unborn baby the whole time.

My DC didn't have any problems getting lessons over video link. Said it was better than having a supply teacher who had no clue what they'd covered already any day. She said some of the supply teachers clearly can't actually teach the subjects they're supposed to cover. (i'm sure this is not the supply teachers fault, I would imagine lots of supply teachers are being told to teach subjects they're not qualified in out of desperation as there aren't enough).

Why are people being so brutal to the OP in this thread?
She shouldn’t have to start maternity leave early and she’s perfectly entitled to get pregnant whether there is a pandemic or not. Her school can activate maternity leave from 36 weeks and she’s still a person who is now at a high risk of covid (I think the stats are 13 times more likely to end up in hospital if you get covid in your 3rd trimester and more likely to have a still birth). People need to be kinder.

OP - my advice would be to check your risk assessment. School are obliged to offer you a personalised one from 28 weeks. Have a list of questions about how they’re going to keep you safe and check with the HR policy. The vast majority of schools around me have staff in their 3rd trimester WFH. If you still have to go in, speak to your GP. Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy.

@justhaveagingerbiscuit

Because MN hates teachers

Agree with the previous posters. Do what’s best for you and your baby, get signed off.

OP - I would feel the same in your position. I really don't think being in school is the best place to be in your 3rd trimester when there is any outbreak of illness be that norovirus, flu or covid.
Get signed off if you can and at a certain point mat leave has to start if you are off sick - 36 weeks? (someone else might know I am years out of date).

This is one of the reasons I’m concerned about having a 2nd Is there solid data now that shows the 3rd trimester is where covid and pregnancy becomes a dangerous mix?

@OnceuponaRainbow18 it’s so sad since we all rely on these people to care for and teach our children.

@OnceuponaRainbow18 what?? Do mn really hate teachers?! If so why?!

Thank you to those who empathise. Of course children need a teacher present in the classroom but just because we're teachers, it doesn't mean we shouldn't put ourselves and our unborn babies first. I have a second OH review next week. I will be 32weeks ok return to school after the Xmas holidays and my mat cover will be in place already so I will ask for out of class duties.