Step One

Check Eligibility 

• Must have worked for the school for at least 6 months, averaging 10 hours a week. 
• Eligible for up to 26 weeks of primary carer leave. 
• Eligible for up to 10 days of special leave for pregnancy-related appointments.

Step Two

Notify The Board and Principal in Writing

• Write to the school at least 1 month before the start of your parental leave.
•  Provide a medical certificate to support your application. 

Sample Letter:

(Name) 

(Address) 

(Date) 

 Dear Board of Trustees and Principal,

I am writing to let you know that I am pregnant and to notify you of when I want to start my maternity leave and begin Statutory Maternity Pay if I am eligible. 

My baby is due in the week beginning [insert date] and my MATB1 certificate, which confirms this, is enclosed. 

I qualify for 52 weeks maternity leave, made up of 26 weeks ordinary maternity leave and a further 26 weeks additional maternity leave. 

I would like to start my maternity leave and pay (if eligible) on XXXX. If I wish to change this date, I will give you at least 28 days notice (21 for teachers). 

I believe I qualify for maternity pay - please can you confirm this, and what amount I will receive. 

If my leave starts on the intended date, my maternity leave will finish on XXXX, but I intend to return to work on the first working day after XXXX. 

Please could you confirm the date I am due back at work. 

 I hope this is all satisfactory and I look forward to hearing from you with confirmation of the above. 

 Yours faithfully,

Step Three

Consider Resignation or Re-Entry Options 

• If resigning due to pregnancy, you have the right to take parental leave instead. 
• You can apply for re-entry to the teaching service with preferential treatment for re-appointment.

Step Four

Apply for Parental Grant 

• Apply for the parental grant through Education Payroll.
• Provide a birth certificate or evidence of an adoption placement. 

Step Five 

Calculate Service Considerations 

• Time on parental leave does not affect extended leave entitlement. - 
• Employees with less than 52 weeks of service are entitled to 26 weeks of leave, with an additional 26 weeks at the employer's discretion.

Step Six

Step 6: Check Parental Leave Payment Eligibility 

• Apply to Inland Revenue for parental leave payments. 
• Payment eligibility is separate from the leave itself.

Step Seven

Step 7: Finalize Application 

• Confirm in writing with the school that you are entitled to parental leave. 
• Ensure all paperwork is submitted on time.

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