Some advice please

[amyyy333]

Hi everyone, so im currently nearly 6 wks pregnant. I have tried to get time off work in a childrens daycare setting to go to a midwife appointment. I have told them its for the hospital about a previous surgery on my arm. They said that they are not able to let me go. I dont want to tell them im pregnant yet but feel as though i may have to as i am unable to go to the appointment.

Hi @amyyy333. No advice as such but I also work in childcare. I was fortunate enough that my booking appointment fell in half term so didn’t need to tell them. I’m term time only. I did however have to tell them for my scan as that’s in work time! Ideally they still wouldn’t know else. It’s literally just my manager that knows. Don’t want anyone else. It’s such a hard job to get time out from isn’t it xx

Yeah it is . I’m struggling so bad , also worrying about telling them as started job in January and feel like they may not treat me favourably when they find out . Thanks for answering

Why are they not able to let you go to the appointment? If the time isn't suitable, could you reschedule it to when does suit them to let you go so you don't have to tell them it's a maternity appointment? If they are just outright refusing to let you go to the appointment then there's something not right there anyway. You shouldn't have to tell them it's maternity to be able to go, you just have to tell them if you want it as paid time off.

How much notice are you giving

Why did they say no?
Is it because they are short staffed? How much notice did they have?
Can you reschedule?

I know in my setting appointments should be scheduled around work hours/day offs. Obviously maternity ones are different. It’s hard when you want to keep it quiet but need the time off. What are your finish times? Could you rearrange for after your shift until it’s out in the open? Xx

I’ve given at least four weeks notice if not more. I work in a nursery and my midwife only works a Tuesday which is the nurseries busiest day and they are saying there is not enough staff to cover me

I completely sympathise as my scan is on our busiest day! I feel for you I do. I think you need to talk to your manager maybe. It’s such a hard decision. Xx

I didn’t want to tell them for another 6 weeks but I’m feeling as that may not be possible if it carries on this way.

I was the same boat chick. I knew my scan would be in work time xx

I haven’t even told some of my family yet, as it’s still so early. I have an early private scan next weekend when I’ll be just over 7 weeks . I feel as though I may have to tell them then but am scared ow my manager will react as he hasn’t been the most supportive with other staff

I would stress it is an important medical app and you need it off.

Have you a new and expectant mum policy? Know your rights and don’t let them take the p. In my first pregnancy my employer tried to say I couldn’t have a break because I had a hospital appointment. My shift was 8.15-6.15. Appointment was 9.15 so was told no point going in as I’d be pretty much leaving as soon as I got there. I got back at 11 to finish my shift and was told I didn’t get a lunch break! Ended up rowing in front of the children and I walked out the room because it wasn’t professional. Anyway I went on my break regardless and she hit the roof!! Some just really do not get expectant mothers rights xx

I’ve tried saying it’s an important medical appointment and it still didn’t work. No idea what I’m gonna do without telling them

I told my employer at 8 weeks. As was struggling with morning sickness and had to have an early scan due to bleeding and previous MC. I only told boss, asked him not to tell anyone else until I was ready.

Work knew before my in-laws did! It's just the way it goes sometimes.

Just tell them, I have my booking appointment.