Maternity

Maternity leave entitlement

All teachers are entitled to one year of maternity leave: 26 weeks ordinary + 26 weeks additional. Occupational pay and/or SMP entitlement depends on work pattern before leave begins.

Occupational maternity pay (overview)

For those entitled, UTU summarises occupational maternity pay as:

Always check the full scheme for eligibility rules and definitions.

Returning to work

You don’t have to take the full entitlement, but: (1) you may not work for the 2 weeks following birth; (2) if returning before the end of 26 weeks, UTU states you must provide a GP Fitness to Return to Work certificate.

Process & forms

UTU notes maternity leave may not begin more than 11 weeks before the expected date of birth. By the end of the 15th week before the expected date, inform your employer and submit TR160 (Teachers’ Salaries Branch) and MATB1 (from your GP).

Adoption leave / pay (UTU summary)

UTU summarises adoption leave/pay (where entitled) as:

For full details and eligibility, check the Adoption Leave Scheme.

Related leave schemes

Quick links to related Department of Education schemes often used alongside maternity/adoption leave.

Other leave & brief absences

UTU notes teachers are contracted to be available for work on 195 days per school year, and any leave (outside illness/maternity/paternity) is granted at the discretion of the Board of Governors. Requests should be submitted in writing via the Principal. The Department provides recommended approaches for certain absences, including absences not exceeding 3 working days.

Need advice?

UTU recommends contacting the union for full details and case-specific advice.

Tel: 028 9066 2216 · Email: office@utu.edu