This policy details what support is available to you, how to access that support, and provides general guidance and information relating to pregnancy, maternity leave, becoming a new parent, adoption and parental leave.
For ease, topics are arranged into alphabetical order – starting with absences due to appointments. You do not have to inform your School if you become pregnant, have a child, have a miscarriage, experience neonatal death or terminate a pregnancy. Nor do you have to inform your school if you or your partner are undergoing fertility treatment or planning to adopt. However, we strongly advise all pregnant students to inform their school / academic mentor that they are pregnant.
If you make your course leader/academic mentor aware this enables:
- Any support or adaptions required to be put in place onsite or during any placement/ field trips.
- Guidance and support in relation to suitable accommodation if appropriate. (please note we do not currently offer student family accommodation)
- Any necessary risk assessments carried out to ensure the health, safety and well-being of you and your unborn child.
Unfortunately, any absences due to antenatal care appointments or pregnancy related illness cannot be considered in relation to your personal circumstances if your school are not aware of your pregnancy prior. Sometimes, your absence from university can adversely affect the work of other students you are working alongside (for example, on a group project), if we know in advance, we can make plans to avoid/manage any such issues arising from the absence.
Equally, if your school is not aware that you are a new parent, considering adoption or fostering, that you or your partner are undergoing fertility treatment, or experience neonatal death it will be difficult to make adjustments for your personal circumstances.
You can get general advice and support from Student Support and Wellbeing and the Students’ Union Advice Centre.
This policy should be used alongside the Academic Award Regulations for all levels of study.