I'm a teacher at a boarding school - when do I tell the HT and HR I am pregnant?

[TheLordisGood]

I am only 5w+4 but I am already thinking about what will happen when I return in September at 8w as many people say that's when the real pregnancy symptoms start. I teach at a boarding school for teens so I work 6/7 day weeks and long hours. I'm already feeling fatigued (and it's the summer holidays!) and so I am quite worried about how I'll feel at 8w. I am not sure if the school makes any allowances during pregnancy.

I have had some previous issues with HR and SLT and haven't found them to be very supportive, so I am worried about telling them. I don't really have a 'teacher bestie' and I don't know my head of department well enough to judge how they would react. Any advice?

In your position I’d be inclined to tell them sooner rather than later OP, at the very least your Head of Dept/house. Not much will likely change, but it’ll give you at least some protection.

I suffer immensely during the first trimester and I’m ‘just’ (?!) at a comp - the hours on your feet and needing to be ‘on’ at all times make an already tiring period massively hard going. FWIW I was signed off sick at 36 weeks as it was so hard going (with an equally unsupportive Head)…

You’ll need a risk assessment in place so I would tell them sooner but confidentially. They need to ensure they’re looking after / protecting you.

Hi @TheLordisGood
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
I had to tell my workplace when i was about 6 / 7 weeks as i was not feeling well (pregnancy related) and had to take time off sick. I think you should let your workplace know you're pregnant as soon as you can xx

I am 19 weeks with no symptoms. You may find ince these tricky few weeks are over you get your strength back x

I have also worked in a boarding school - it's full on! They have a duty of care towards you, but they can't make any necessary adjustments if they don't know you are pregnant. You can tell HT and HR in confidence. I'd do it sooner rather than later and then you'll know you can ask for time off to attend appointments etc. and they know they have a duty of care to ensure your working environment is safe and appropriate.

I'm also a teacher in a boarding school and I told HT at about 6 weeks (before we told anyone else) as I was feeling so rough. They were amazing, stopped a few duties/games sessions/going to lunch. I had to stop driving due to some of the meds I was on so couldn't drive minibus anymore so needed a reason! However I am lucky to have a very supportive HT.

Thank you for the advice everyone! And all your support too. When you told your work place did you go straight to the HT or go through the head of department/line manager? Did you ask for an appointment through HR or HT's secretary? Sorry for the all the questions! I just actually don't know how to practically go about it, with the fewest people that know possible. @MrsCratchitstwiceturneddress @helseeee

Hi, I just told my headteacher, like you I didn't want loads of people to know. He's been extremely discrete!

Also if you're concerned they won't be supportive/might try and shaft you (I speak with unfortunate experience) make sure you follow up the meeting with an email so you have a paper trail.

Congratulations!!