Getting ready for maternity leave, or even just thinking about it, may raise some questions about maternity pay. You may be already planning your maternity leave or have colleagues who have taken maternity leave before.
As a result, you likely want to know what maternity leave is, how teachers’ maternity pay is calculated and what regulations affect it. Preparing for maternity leave isn’t just a personal journey, it’s also a professional one as you navigate the process.
Understanding teachers' maternity pay and entitlements
It’s important to note that everyone’s experience of maternity leave may differ and that each teacher will have individualised maternity pay, based on their responsibilities, pay and level of professional experience.
A key document is the Burgundy Book, also known as the National Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales. The revised edition was published in June 2023 and explains the full details of the teachers’ maternity scheme.
There can be some confusion about teachers’ maternity pay, so let’s dig into the details and clarify the essential points to help you understand the whole system better.
How long is maternity leave for teachers?
As a teacher, you’re entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the length of your service. In addition, you can’t start your leave any earlier than 11 weeks before the expected due date of your baby.
You may also want to know that if your baby arrives before your maternity leave start date, then your leave will officially begin the day after your baby is born. Plus, you can’t return to work sooner than two weeks after the baby arrives.
Some pregnant teachers may experience a pregnancy-related absence. If this occurs within four weeks before your maternity leave is due to start, the official start date will be the day after the first day you were absent.
How is maternity pay calculated for teachers?
Several factors determine how much maternity pay a teacher will receive while on leave. If you have less than one year’s continuous service when it comes to 11 weeks before your expected due date, you will just receive Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). With more than one year of continuous service, you’re also eligible for Occupational Maternity Pay (OMP).
Occupational Maternity Pay includes:
- Full pay for the first four weeks.
- 90% of your normal week’s salary for two weeks.
- 12 weeks of half pay and SMP, as long as this doesn’t exceed full pay when combined with any other received payments.
- The next 21 weeks will be on SMP or Statutory Maternity Pay.
For reference, SMP is paid for up to 39 weeks and includes:
- 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks.
- Then £184.03 or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for the following 33 weeks.
Your maternity pay will be based on your average salary from the 12 weeks before the first date of your maternity leave.
What are the notice requirements for starting and returning from maternity leave?
You should let your employer know in writing no less than 14 weeks before your expected due date that you wish to take maternity leave.
Then, you have to confirm with your employer at least 21 days before your absence begins (or as soon as is reasonable) that you have a firm date for starting your maternity leave.
What rights do teachers have regarding antenatal appointments during pregnancy?
You have the right to take paid time off to attend antenatal appointments during your pregnancy. It’s helpful to know that after your first appointment, your school may ask for appointment evidence as proof so that paperwork can be completed and arrangements made to cover your absence.
Can teachers take additional unpaid leave after their maternity leave ends?
You can take parental leave, which is 18 weeks off for each parent and applies to each individual child. This runs up to your child’s 18th birthday. You can usually only take parental leave in blocks of up to four weeks per year for each child.
Parental leave is unpaid but you can generally return to your normal job afterwards. The rules state that you have the right to return to the same job after maternity leave, or a suitable alternative job.
You can take parental leave as long as you follow the normal notice procedures for this leave. This involves giving notice to your employer in writing. This should be done at least 21 days before the date you want your leave to start and you should also let them know how much leave you would like to take.
Accompanying this notice, you need to share proof of your parental leave eligibility with your employer, such as a birth certificate or proof of adoption for your baby.
How does maternity leave affect a teacher's pension contributions?
Your teacher’s pension contributions will continue as long as you’re receiving contractual or statutory pay during your maternity leave.
If your earnings are reduced during maternity leave or parental leave, the contributions you then make will be deducted from your reduced salary with the usual contribution rate that normally applies to your pay.
Can teachers work part-time or job-share after returning from maternity leave?
According to GOV.UK, flexible working arrangements can be requested by any member of school staff, including support staff, teachers and those in leadership positions. Employees can make two statutory requests for flexible working within any two-month period.
Teachers who have 26 weeks of continuous service have the right to request flexible working and the school in question will have to respond within three months of the request.
