How to ask to extend leave beyond additional maternity leave?

[notsuchayummymummy]

I am currently on maternity leave, and due to return at the beginning of June having taken a full year and accrued annual leave.
Due to my eldest (2yrs) having health problems I feel that there would be benefits to staying home a little longer to care for her- as her problems will get better to manage as she grows and understands more.
I would really ideally love to request a year but realise that my employers do not have to accommodate any request at all. Naturally I am happy to negotiate on this. My employers career break policy implies it cannot be taken straight after mat leave- however the mat policy indicates it may occasionally be granted in this manner. If a career break is not possible is asking for the maximum parental leave possible? is this a one off per child?

Wow, no idea but sounds like you ought to at least give it a go! Good luck!

I was lucky enough to take a years career break straight after a years maternity leave. I wonder why it is policy not to allow after mat leave?

I wasn't looking to take a whole year but it was a one off opportunity so I took the full allowance.

Sorry, not much help really.

You can ask for 13 weeks unpaid parental leave.

m.direct.gov.uk/syndicationController?action=view&param=DG_10029416&utn=a29f53baffd847a99603201201180846

Or see if they would just give you a year off.

I'd ask for the year first, then if they refuse you can ask for the 13 weeks parental leave. That way you are offering a compromise if they refuse your initial request!