When did you tell head about pregnancy?

[Darklava09]

When did you tell your head about pregnancy and what was the response?

I’m very early at the moment so don’t really want to tell them about it until the 12 week mark. I’m in a non teaching role but part of SLT so I’m not concerned about disrupting the classroom.

I am nervous as I’ve only been there 7 months so still pretty new so I’m worried about the response. Equally I’m trying not to worry so much as there has been health issues so I’ve been very fortunate to fall pregnant but equally can’t help but worry about the response of my head... especially as I’ve known some heads really dislike pregnant staff.

Any advice

ASAP! Get your protection in.

A school I worked at had an NQT start in September. Third week in, she found out she was pregnant. No come back at all, head was lovely to her.

@Lancrelady80 that’s good to know. What do you mean by protection!? Stupid question I know!

Firstly, means you have to be considered carefully with regards to Covid (not sure quite when that kicks in) but also gives you protection in case things get difficult within school for other reasons. SLT have to be careful that they are not laying themselves open to allegations of discrimination. Hopefully that won't be an issue, but it's good to be aware. Doesn't mean you're untouchable - you could still be disciplined, made redundant or whatever if need be. But they would need a very strong case to prove it wasn't pregnancy related.

Several of us had a new (very abrasive, very unscrupulous) head at one school. Her blatant intention from Day 1 was to drive us all out and bring in staff (who were being made redundant) from her other school. 4 of us were driven out quickly, 1 went, put up a fight but didn't get anywhere. I was handled far more gently than them because I happened to be pregnant at the time and a more amicable solution was found with union assistance.

I think you have to go when feels right for you.

Lots of advantages and disadvantages to telling them now or waiting I've done both. Right now I'd tell them as soon as I found out. Last time I would have told them at 20 weeks as that was what was right for me.

Please don't think they will certainly view this negatively. If you are woman of child bearing age who they employed they know there is a chance that you will have a baby. Babies happen all the time and is nothing to feel guilty about in fact quite the opposite. So either enjoy having your secret for a few more weeks or enjoy telling them you happy news.

I did after my 12 week scan. They were lovely and in all honesty schools are full of women of child-bearing age so used to it. They should do a risk assessment but my experience is there is little allowance made with regards covid - there's no separate guidance, it falls under CV. Although given tonight's announcement, that might be a moot point anyway.

@cherrypiepie ahh thank you. You have made me feel better. I couldn’t say how they will react but previous schools I’ve seen the women been treated unfairly and they said some pretty disgusting stuff!

I like to think I’m very valued where I am so I hope it will be fine. We have a really young workforce in all honesty about 70% of staff are under 30 and female so they are already joking about who will be the first to fall pregnant!

It’s just a nervous experience I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am for my age. I don’t want to loose that or be demoted!

Pretty early on but I had ivf which he knew about (abs supported) so was part of that

22 weeks. Basically as long as i could get away with it. Didn't tell my parents til 21 weeks because we were going to Cambodia and hiring mopeds, so knew they'd disapprove. Waited until we got back.

@RuleWithAWoodenFoot was there a reason for that? How did they react? We’re they accommodating and was your return to work ok? Or did you experience any changes?

I told my head as soon as I found out as it was early during the first wave of the pandemic and I was due to be in school. It was back when there was thought to be a big risk to pregnant women. My headteacher congratulated me and could not have been more supportive. I’d share early if you feel comfortable. You can always ask them to keep it to themselves.

I didn't tell until after 12 week scan. In hindsight I should have told earlier as I took several days off with terrible sickness and by rights they shouldn't have gone on my sickness record as pregnancy related.