Work absence

[Onemama]

So I work in a Reception class and a child came in today with a suspected slapped cheek syndrome rash. This is listed on NHS as possibly being dangerous to unborn baby & pregnant women advised to seek medical advice & blood test to show if have immunity. Bearing in mine there are 2 other children in different year groups also off school with a very similar looking viral rash. Doctor has advised I stay off school until blood results come back which I told my headteacher- she said that if I’m not willing to go in to another class then she will have to ‘speak to HR to see whether my absense is authorised or not’ what does this mean? My doctor literally said I can self certify up to 7 days and if the school are awkward about anything then they can write them a letter but they can’t be because it’s pregnancy discrimination?! Thoughts / opinions on this please? I literally go on Mat leave in 3 weeks anyway and they are not paying me Stat pay anyway…

You don’t go in, on your doctor’s advice. Let the head go to HR. Contact your union and see what happens. Your baby comes first!

This is what makes me so cross about this profession. Where's the compassion and understanding here.

Do as your doctor suggests.Sod work.

Please follow your doctors advice.

Of course HR will authorise the absence because the have to. The head is being ridiculous.

I would, just to help you feel better, ask your doctor for a letter.

I was in a similar situation when pregnant with a school I did outreach at. Thankfully they were very understanding but it took 3 weeks for the bloods to come back!

As has been suggested, get a note or letter from your doctor with their advice clearly stated. You will be completely covered. There is nothing the Head can do.

Yep definitely stay off school and get GP to sign you off if necessary.