New school and 23 weeks pregnant!

[BlueMediterranean]

I'm a school teacher and I will start in a new school after Christmas break.

I just found out I'm pregnant we are very happy but this wasn't planned.

I'm going to be 23 weeks pregnant when I start working at my new school

I feel very guilty as this is my dream school and I was over the moon when they told me I was successful. I feel very overwhelmed as I really want to do well but I know I won't be able to give 100% and I won't be able to finish the whole year (due 1st May)

I know I don't need to let them know until 15 weeks before due date (this is after I start) but obviously they will need to make arrangements. How early would you let them know? obviously not before the first scan but waiting until the second might be too late as it will be around Christmas time and they won't be able to do much (I'm not sure what they can do, maybe some risk assessments because of covid) I'm not sure how to tell them

I don't have any symptoms yet but I'm very scared if I'm going to need days off for don't feeling well and for hospital appointments and also all the stress because I'm starting in a new school in the middle of the year. We also need to move to another part of the country as this was the main reason for leaving my current school.

I'm a bit freaking out, I would appreciate any comments

I think the school would appreciate you telling them as soon as possible after the 12 week scan so they can make arrangements for your maternity leave. You’ll also need to give them your Mat B1 form. It’s worth checking your maternity pay entitlement given it’s a new school/local authority? The school has to let you attend maternity appointments though it’s worth trying to get them at the least disruptive times if possible, eg beginning or end of the day. Good luck with the baby and the new job!

I don't think I'm entitled to maternity pay as I'm moving from state school to independent. I think the difference is just £3000 so is not a huge fortune. We were going to move anyway so I wasn't going to be back to my current school after maternity leave.

I will try to let them know in November after my 12w scan but I feel so anxious!

This was literally the only time we weren't trying to get pregnant after 14 months of actively trying!

Wait until you're 16weeks until you've had a scan and a midwife heartbeat check. I'm 13+2 clear bump already (third baby) and dreading telling my boss next week. Also independent school.

That will be mid November so sounds good, thanks