New teacher & Pregnant

[MabelFay]

Im an NQT (qualified 2021) and been teaching at a school since Jan (I worked as a cover for the last school year and just started with my own class this week). I’m on a permanent contract and doing my ECT years. However, my husband and I have just found out I’m pregnant. We were not trying, it has been unplanned. Im terrified for my work but also thrilled for us as we’ve always wanted children (though this is a shock!). How will this impact my career as a teacher? I don’t know how to tell the school. Has anyone been in this situation too?

Teachers, especially primary, are mostly female and the school SLT will have been through this dozens of times before. You're overthinking it. Depending on your due date, teachers usually try to maximise their leave so it starts after a school holiday. Ask your union for advice, they probably have a factsheet.

I wasn't pregnant as a teacher but qualified when my youngest was a year old so I was only ever a teacher and a parent. I found a day nursery that did term time only care and that saved me a lot of money.

Congratulations! I’m a teacher and pregnant with my second.
When you’re ready, tell your Head or HR person. Schools deal with this frequently- they will be fine.
Did you start a new contract this year? Might be worth finding out how this affects mat pay- I don’t think it should as you’re with the same employer (e.g. if you were promoted to SLT and started a new contract you wouldn’t lose Mat pay)

As an ECT you'll be registered with an Appropriate Body for Induction. This is usually your nearest Teaching School Hub or Local Authority. When you tell them, they will talk you through your options for Induction and the pros and cons of each option. You don't need to finalise your choice until you return from leave.

Congratulations!