A pregnant teacher who gives birth to a living child is entitled to 26 weeks statutory paid Maternity Leave and up to a maximum of 16 consecutive weeks statutory additional unpaid Maternity Leave. In the event of a premature birth, the teacher may be entitled to Extended Maternity Leave for Premature Birth. A teacher may also apply for non-statutory additional Unpaid Maternity Leave until the end of the school year i.e. 31st August. In the event of a stillbirth after the 24th week of pregnancy, full Maternity Leave entitlements apply.
For further information, please refer to the Maternity Leave Scheme contained in Circular 0054/2019 titled ”Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools”.
A teacher must complete the Application Form at Appendix A and submit it to her employer at least 6 weeks prior to the planned commencement date.
Maternity leave is a statutory leave of absence from employment for special needs assistants. All pregnant special needs assistants, who reach their 24th week of pregnancy, are entitled to 26 weeks maternity leave and 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave
For further information on Maternity Protection Entitlements for SNA’s please see the circular below.
Special Needs Assistants must complete the application form at Appendix A and return it to their employer at least six weeks in advance of commencement of the leave.
This is a prototype - your feedback will help us to improve it.