Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

Pregnant in NQT year

19 replies

PinkPuffin · 04/10/2017 21:16

Am I completely bonkers to consider this? Will my school be pissed off with me? Is it sneaky to wait until I've got a new contract?Will I be able to finish my NQT year at another school if need be? I'm on a fixed term contract although the Head has told me can stay on after this year provided I pass my NQT year. All views welcome, I hate that it is impossible to discuss this it'll!

OP posts:
Fannyfannakerpants · 04/10/2017 21:27

I did it. I wouldn't bank on keeping your job if your on a temp contract so factor in the cost of that. But at the beginning of your career, you're always employable as you're cheap. If your head is likely to be annoyed, they'll be annoyed now or in 5 years so don't let that sway you. There is never a suitable time to have a baby it just has to feel right.

noblegiraffe · 04/10/2017 21:41

Your NQT year is really tough. Teaching while pregnant can be bloody awful. I don't think I'd plan it that way.

And consider how you need to time it to be eligible for maternity pay.

castasp · 04/10/2017 21:43

I wouldn't worry about it being your NQT year, but I would worry about the fact that it's not a permanent contract, because chances are, they won't keep you on.

However, if it's something you really want, then go for it. You don't actually know when you'll conceive anyway, it's not as easy to plan as you might think!

Surreynewbie · 04/10/2017 21:46

Isn't there a minimum employment period before you qualify for mat pay?

Original poster
PinkPuffin · 04/10/2017 21:47

Thanks for the replies! I'm finding the NQT year a breeze compared to training so far - probably because I did Teach First. I really like my school and I have been told by various people they want me to stay on. I know that might change if I get pregnant though... DH and I had more or less decided to start trying but now I'm having second thoughts... My sister fell pregnant first cycle but we're very different physically. I hate it is so difficult to plan! Gaah!

OP posts:
orangeowls · 04/10/2017 21:48

I got pregnant at the end of my NQT year, but I was already on a permanent contract. It’s worth thinking about things like if you want to go back to part time hours (very hard to find - much better chance of getting if you go back to a permanent contract) and at what point you will qualify for the enhanced maternity pay - definitely worth having.

You can take a break from your NQT year and complete it in another school but I think you have to complete it within 5 years of starting. You need to ‘pass’ three terms and these can be done in different schools but schools can be reluctant to take on someone with a part completed NQT year.

Original poster
PinkPuffin · 04/10/2017 21:48

Qualifying period is 26 weeks, but I was employed by the school last year too, so I'd be eligible

OP posts:
mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 04/10/2017 21:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 04/10/2017 21:49

Orangeowls they abolished that rule, thankfully for me.

orangeowls · 04/10/2017 21:50

That’s good, I did wonder why it was 5 years, seems very random!

MaisyPops · 04/10/2017 21:51

You might be eligible for occupation maternity pay but to have the occupation element you have to return to work for at least 13 weeks of your pre-maternity timetable (e.g. if full time before you need to be full time.for 13weeks but if you drop to 0.5 then you need to be back for 26weeka). Usual resignation dates apply.

I'd wait until you have a permanent contract so you are protected.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 04/10/2017 21:53

It was really bizarre, because there was no time limit if you didn't start it, you could start it 20 years later if you wanted to! Anyway, I think the retention crisis was the death knell for that rule!

orangeowls · 04/10/2017 21:56

It might be worth considering what you teach? If you teach a hard to find specialism then they may be more inclined to keep you regardless of pregnancy.

You could also ask to be made permanent? Some NQTs I started with weren’t on permanent contracts and negotiated to have them made permanent around Christmas time once they had proved themselves in the first term.

MelbourneClown03 · 04/10/2017 21:56

DP & I started trying 1/2 way through my NQT year. 6 years on and 3 IVF cycles later, we still don’t have a baby.
I’m an extreme case but I say just go for it and see what blessings you’re given. Things may be tough but it’ll work out somehow. Good luck.

orangeowls · 04/10/2017 21:58

Also I agree pinkpuffin NQT is so much easier than training year. I did school direct and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Original poster
PinkPuffin · 04/10/2017 22:09

So many different experiences! We've just spoken about it again and DH sees my point that waiting a few months would make a lot more sense in terms of income and security. When we had our last chat about it I didn't yet know my school wanted to keep me on. The fact that they do oddly makes it more appealing to wait. Gaah. Will go to bed now and sleep on it rather than with DH

OP posts:
Original poster
PinkPuffin · 04/10/2017 22:10

Melbourne Flowers I hope it works out for you, it sounds incredibly tough!

OP posts:
timeisnotaline · 04/10/2017 22:19

It is nice to have a job to go back to. Much easier than finding a new one and then starting under full pressure.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 05/10/2017 06:22

Melbourne, that is so shit. I really hope you get your baby in the end. Flowers

New posts on this thread. Refresh page