NHS - can I extend mat leave?

[fairgame84]

Hi
I told my boss I was going to take 39 weeks mat leave and I'm due back in June. However I really would like to take the full year. Can I change my mind and take the extra 3 months?
If so do I just email my boss and let her know I'll be back September instead of June?
They've already started booking me onto training days for August 😬

I'm not 100% sure but I work for the NHS and in my team, this would be absolutely fine after a conversation with my manager. Would you be able to do the training days if they were KIT days?

I could do kit but they are only internal training days so they could put me on the next ones. I've just been diagnosed with pnd and I'm already having panic attacks about going back. I just won't be ready by June.

dont leave it too long!

Changing the dates of your maternity leave

You can change the dates of your maternity leave as long as you give your employer enough notice:

to start your leave sooner, tell your employer at least 4 weeks before your new start date.
to start your leave later, tell your employer at least 4 weeks before your old start date
to end your leave sooner, tell your employer at least 8 weeks before your new end date
to end your leave later, to tell your employer at least 8 weeks before your old end date
You can give less notice if your employer never gave you your maternity leave dates in writing. It’s still good to give them as much notice as you can.

@SheilaFentiman thanks for that. 8 weeks will give me until 10th April to notify them.