Education and Child Matters

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Pregnancy In Schools

 

HOW DOES THE LAW PROTECT A PREGNANT STUDENT AT SCHOOL?

The law protects a student who is pregnant when attending school by the following measures:

  1. The school must give the student authorised absence for any prenatal and postnatal appointments or for the birth itself.
  2. The school must protect the student from harassment and abuse from other students
  3. The school must protect the student from harassment from school staff.
  4. The school and/or local authority can provide transport for the pregnant student before the birth if needed.
  5. Under the equality act 2010 the school and local authority must make sure the student does not suffer any form of discrimination.
  6. The school and/or local authority must ensure the student receives pastoral and education support from a designated teacher at school who has been given the responsibility to look out for, keep in touch and speak to the student on a regular basis.
  7. The student is entitled to 18 weeks maternity leave from school either before or after the baby has been born.
  8. The school must ensure the student returns to school no later than 18 weeks after giving birth.
  9. The school and/or local authority must ensure the student receives home tuition or an alternative provision for education while on maternity leave.
  10. The school must welcome the student back to the same class and academic studies once they have given birth and returned to school. 

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR THE EQUALITY ACT 2010

The school must include ‘student pregnancy’ in their safeguarding policy. The school must detail what procedures should be followed, what provisions need to be put in place, and the role of the member of staff designated to look after the student.

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS OF A STUDENT WHO IS PREGNANT?

Under section 7 of the education act 1996 the parents of a pregnant student must ensure they attend school as much as possible before and after giving birth.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR SECTION 7 OF THE EDUCATION ACT 1996

SOME REASONS WHY A PREGNANT STUDENT MAY FEEL UNSUPPORTED?

Despite the fact there are laws in place to ensure a pregnant student still has access to education before and after the birth, there are many instances where this support has failed to materialise, the student has felt deprived of help, ashamed and embarrassed to continue in education. Our research showed the following truths:

  1. There is often a lack of facilities in schools to help pregnant students. 
  2. A pregnant student can still be stigmatised
  3. A young mother can face a lack of childcare facilities so they cannot return to school.

HOW CAN THE SCHOOL AND TEACHERS SUPPORT THE PREGNANT STUDENT?

There are many ways a school and teachers can help. Some of the ways are:

  1. Making sure the pregnant student is given the school work for any lessons they have not been able to attend or concentrate in.
  2. Allowing the pregnant student to leave a lesson a few minutes before the other students so they don’t get pushed and shoved as students leave the classroom.
  3. Aid them to find pregnancy clothing in school colours.
  4. Allowing the pregnant student to arrive in school a little later if they are suffering from morning sickness.
  5. The teachers will have to assess risks for the expectant student and ensure they and their baby are safe while moving around the school, participating in activities, and attending lessons. 
  6. Pregnant students must not take part in any contact sport.
  7. The teachers should be aware of the pregnant teenagers’ emotions and hormone changes.
  8. Schools must make concessions for the pregnant student being tired during the pregnancy.
  9. Schools and teachers must understand that the student could suffer from postnatal depression after the birth of the baby.

For further information please click the link below and read the government guide.

LINK TO PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND GUIDE FOR A FRAMEWORK FOR SUPPORTING TEENAGE MOTHERS AND YOUNG FATHERS.

WHAT ABOUT PREGNANCY AND EXAMS?

Exam boards will give special consideration to a pregnant student if there are any adverse effects on the students health because of complications with the pregnancy. They will not give consideration because of the pregnancy alone.  

If you feel your child deserves special consideration by the exams boards, please talk to the school/teachers and they will complete the forms to send to the exam boards.

WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?

You can contact NSPCC – If your child is pregnant you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police. 

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US

You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline.  You can speak to them about your concerns that your child is pregnant.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US 

You can contact SAMARITANS – The Samaritans are a free organisation that you can talk to about your concerns that your child is pregnant. Call their helpline on 116 123. They are available 24 hours a day. You can email them, chat online or write them a letter. 

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SAMARITANS – CONTACT US

You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns that your child is pregnant. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US 

You can contact your local authority child services  – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY

You can contact VICTIM SUPPORT – Victim support is a charity that can help individuals who have been the victim of a crime. They have a free confidential support telephone line and live chat. They are independent of the police.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR VICTIM SUPPORT – CONTACT US 

You can contact other organisations – 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.

You can read our help guide for where you can reach out to get help if your child is a victim – 

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR WHERE CAN YOU REACH OUT TO GET HELP IF YOUR CHILD IS A VICTIM 

WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?

Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has been or is pregnant or has made someone pregnant and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.

LINK TO WEBSITE FOR CHILDLINE – CONTACT US