Maternity leave

[NikkiMartin]

Hi all,

I'm about to graduate, planning to work as classroom assistant for upcoming year, then do PGDE in Primary teaching.

I'm not getting any younger and I really want to start having a family. I keep hearing horror stories, but I'm not sure how representative they are, of graduated teachers only getting their first year then having to go on supply for a few years until a permanent post comes up. My question is, am I entitled to any maternity leave as a supply teacher? Or only in full-time, permanent position?

A bit worried I'll need to wait indefinitely to get a position, and I'm pushing 30.

Hi. Long term Supply Teacher here. No you don’t get Maternity pay as Supply, or access to Teacher Pension scheme. Sick pay is Statutory Sick Pay but conditions attached.

My very strong advice is to apply for Permanent or Fixed Term contracts only. Don’t go on Supply - it makes you very expensive for schools to employ you due to Transfer fees.

On the other hand Supply TAs do ge get offered permanent jobs in Spesial Needs schools….