Not returning after maternity leave - pay

[lookingatlife]

I have decided not to return to my job after mat leave. I want to avoid paying back the occupational mat pay though, so I need to return for 4 weeks. I've now moved abroad for my husband's job and it's a pain to come back for those 4 weeks. Is there any way around this? I've thought about getting signed off sick but want to avoid this if I can.

Thanks to anyone who can think outside the box on how to get around this.

When are you due back? You need to give due notice of your intention to return, have you?

Are you coming back at any point? I took a 2 year career break before returning to work and did not need to pay back enhanced mat pay (also an independent school). I then worked there for 3 years so owed nothing.

If your talking about may half term/June surely they will have already planned for your return by now? It seems very short notice to be able to suddenly not return either way. You could ask if there is any WFH work that needs doing on those 4 weeks. Eg. Planning next year timetables/curriculum/etc for your replacement?