Asking for pregnant teachers views after today’s announcement

[Prettylittlelady]

I don’t know what to think at all. I’m 9+4 and getting very stressed out, I was reassuring myself because pregnant women hasn’t been mentioned before up until this point but now we have. But schools remain open.
Anyone in the same situation care to share what they think is best?

I'm in the same position. I'm 29 weeks' so third trimester. Both MW and GP have said in their opinion the risk outweighs the benefit and to stay at home. I work in a very large primary school.

I've emailed the HT to tell her this and ask for her thoughts but no response so that may well mean she expects me in and if I'm not I won't be paid?

My eldest son (12) is at home also as of tomorrow as his school has partially shut which includes his year group. Obviously it wouldn't be right to put him with grandparents at this time but school would probably say I have to take this as unpaid leave too?

We've been offered 12 weeks but to be working from home while we are well, paid.

Even my union (NASUWT) has confirmed that at is it only advice, they cannot advise, and that it is down to the discretion of the headteacher (or MAT CEO, in our case) if pregnant staff are paid, due to isolating.

@Vebrithien Seems to be the same here. I'm part HLTA/part teacher so tbh I don't get paid a huge amount and I don't need supply cover so I'm really hoping HT will pay me. I'm 29 weeks' and just don't feel I can risk going in, especially on advice from my midwife and GP to stay at home if possible.

My son's secondary has shut with effect from tomorrow. He's 12 (Year 8).

@Vebrithien Are you still going in and how far along are you? My GP said the two factors which presented as adding to greater risk for me are a) Size of the school (it's a very large primary) and b) I'm in third trimester.

I went in today to meet with SLT.

Morning - I was told it is up to me, they wouldn't make a decision for me either way, but no objections to me being off if that's what I feel necessary.

Lunchtime - managed to get hold of midwife who advised me not to work. Confirmed this with SLT who were supportive.

Afternoon - email from Local Authority conforming that all pregnant staff should be off work. Confirmation that it will be authorised, paid leave, with no impact on maternity leave dates.

Both MW and GP have said in their opinion the risk outweighs the benefit and to stay at home.

Can they sign you as unfit or unsafe for work? Then it'd be maternity related sick leave.

I'm a nurse who is pregnant so I'm not sure what I'm going to do! I'm needed at the moment obviously so I very much doubt my employer is going to let me stay off for 12 weeks.

Crap crap crap!

If taking unpaid leave between 17-25 weeks pregnant, you're not eligible for SMP. It is worked out on you earning over the threshold (roughly £120 a week) on average across those weeks.

I'm 21 weeks, and only work part time, so if I left today on unpaid leave, my average will be below the threshold, and I won't be able to get SMP.

Arrgh!

So, I will be in school today, with 6 different classes and a tutor group.

(21 weeks pregnant, asthma, large (1,700 students including 6th Form)

Meanwhile, a friend from another local school, but different MAT, has been told not to come in today, on full pay, not because he is pregnant, but because his wife is, to protect her.

Sorry, large school of 1,700, including 6th Form