TA in a primary school.. When to tell head I’m pregnant?

[Moll172]

Currently 5weeks + 4 days - It’s took me a while and my health anxiety is bad at the best of times, never mind when carrying! Ha.

I’m returning to work tomorrow after the Christmas break. It’s a mainstream primary school however I work 1-1 with a child with severe SEND. (This child is very sweet natured and would never intend to hurt anybody however doesn’t always realise their own strength, and can be very hands-on)
As well as this I am required to assist with forest school once a fortnight - this really is just us and some children spending time in a small forest. However, being an adult in charge I am responsible for ensuring the safety of all (for example - helping children down from trees they may or may not get themselves stuck in). Also, the ground can be very soggy or even slippy, especially during the winter months.

I’m reluctant to tell anybody before the 12 week mark, however due to the stated reasons I feel inclined to inform head - however I’m unsure if the pregnancy would even make a difference to any of that? Part of me believes I will be expected to carry on with all duties as normal, in which case I’d rather not mention it yet! I should add, I don’t always feel well supported in this school.

Thanks for listening…

I would tell them tomorrow.

For all 3 of my pregnancies my head was the first person to know after my DH.

I work in a special needs school and ended up telling them before nine weeks. I had to book special leave for the first midwife appointment so I wrote antenatal appt on the sheet and they asked to do a risk assessment straight away. I was grateful they knew early as I was able to request being away from certain students!

I told mine at 12 weeks. They did a risk assessment for me.

Tell them asap so they can do a risk assessment.

Ex TA. I told my head at about 6wks as they were considering moving me to 1-1 with a child who had a history of hitting/kicking staff.

ASAP as you need a risk assessment. It also means you get time off for appointments and if you have a pregnancy related illness it’s not counted the same way.

Tell them ASAP but tell them you want it confidential until you say other wise. Don't forget to tell them when it's ok!

Under the circumstances you describe I think it's important you tell them now as a risk assessment will need to be in place.

They'll do a risk assessment and then ignore it at every opportunity.

I'm a TA aswell, always told mine really early so they could keep me safe, sometimes children get illnesses that can be dangerous for pregnant ladies so I'd always rather be safe. Hope you have a happy healthy pregnancy x