When is the earliest I can start ttc

[Walker85]

Hi, I’m a teacher starting a new permanent contract in July. I’ve been teaching for four years but because of an awful experience, I’ve decided to supply at this school for a couple of weeks before I sign up. I’ve been told by my union that this would break up my continuous service and that I’d need to work for a year at my new school before I start ttc. But I’m also seeing information that I need to have worked for 26 weeks before I reach 15 weeks before my edd. So I’m wondering if the year is inclusive of the 26 weeks and when is the earliest I can start ttc? Thanks in advance.

Depends if you want statutory maternity pay or enhanced. For most places (including my local authority), you have to have worked there 12 months at 15 weeks before due date (to the day, there's absolutely no discretion). But to qualify for statutory its as you say, just the 26 weeks. Which means you can start TTC as soon as you permanent contract starts.

Morning, thanks for the quick response. I need the full package as my family can’t afford for me to be on a reduced salary. I’d be looking to go back to work when little one is around 4-5 months anyway. X

I'm a TA and I waited about 9 months before TTC c

Whereas at my work (public sector) the criteria for enhanced is the same as for statutory.

If you need enhanced then you need to read your employer's maternity policy then and that will tell you. It should be available on the intranet so download it and email it yourself, do no need know. They do vary so no one could tell you.

I know you plan to go back after 4/5 months but just be aware that isn't always possible. No way I could have done even though I'd have liked to.

Just to say, there's also maternity allowance. I'm a teacher starting a contract in a new local authority and I'm 3 months pregnant (whoops). I should qualify for maternity allowance though, as I was employed continuously, just with different employers.

I would double check this with your union. As I was under the impression that I was under continuous employment but because I’m doing a few weeks as supply before I sign up as permanent, that’s caused a break and so I would need to wait.

Thanks everyone else for your replies, it’s been very useful. My school does follow the burgundy book but I’m going to check with Hr anyway.

Thanks @Walker85 - maternity allowance is different to statutory maternity pay, you only need to be employed for a certain period and earn money over a certain time too - the rules are a bit complex but I will quality and you would too! It's through jobseekers weirdly.

The attached is the eligibility, you have have paid Class 2 National Insurance for at least 13 weeks within the 66 weeks before your baby is born. The 13 weeks don't have to be consecutive. It's paid at £149.50 per week or 90% of your earnings if that's less that £149.50. Their eligibility calculator doesn't always work so it's worth telephoning Job Centre to discuss. However, it's obviously not as good as enhanced maternity pay!