I am pregnant but am due to start my NQT year in teaching in September, how do I tell my boss?

[Tabs121]

Hi all,

I have just found out that I am pregnant. This was unplanned as I wanted to start my career in teaching in September. I will be starting my NQT post in Sept and I am so worried about how I should approach my boss about being pregnant, and am worried about the consequences? Will I lose my job as I haven't yet completed my NQT? How do I tell my boss? How will I cope with the pressure of starting a career and being pregnant at the same time?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

No you won't lose your job but may not be entitled to Maternity pay - but probably will get maternity allowance. You will have to return to complete you NQT year within the next 5 years I think. I wouldn't tell them until after 12 week scan.

I changed teaching jobs while pregnant (conceived just after the interview!) and wasn't entitled to maternity pay. I told my new department head the day I started as I was due in February and that gave them plenty of time to find a replacement. Unfortunately as my post wasn't permanent they didn't renew my contract as I wouldn't go back full time.

Check with your local union representative for full details about your rights. Alternatively, the NASUWT website is very good and has a booklet about maternity leave you can download. You have to be in employment for a certain number of weeks prior to the leave in order to qualify for the occupational pay, there is also a specific time by which you need to notify your employer in writing. Info about both of these points can be found in the booklet too.