Maternity leave question

[MrsHandles]

I'm due my first baby on 15th Jan. I was thinking of starting my maternity leave on 8th Jan (the day my school goes back after Christmas) meaning I would have the Christmas holiday paid then ML from 8th. Is this correct or would I have to go to work on 8th in order to be paid for first week of Jan (last week of Christmas holiday)?

Does my post even make sense? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Your suggestion is perfectly correct. If your maternity leave starts on the first day of term you will be paid the school holidays as normal before commencing maternity leave.

No that sounds about right. I started mine the Monday after the Easter holidays so technically wasn't on 'maternity leave' during the holidays and got full pay. Also going back on the first Monday of next Easter holidays so will get 2 weeks full pay but will still be on leave IYKWIM.

Oh phew! Thank you both. That is the answer I really hoped for. The thought of having to go in for even a day just a week before due date was making me feel a little sick. Thanks again for your replies

I agree with the others - what you state in your OP is correct and makes sense.

How long are you taking? I should have returned 5th September (I took 9 months' leave) but by returning on 21July (last day of previous term) I got paid for summer hols while still being with DS. Wasn't aware I could do this until a colleague pointed it out.

I'm going back a couple of days before summer holidays. A friend of mine has just done the same and I think she's very wise.