A recent survey conducted by the teachers’ union NASUWT reveals the challenging conditions pregnant teachers face in schools. The study uncovers instances where pregnant teachers resorted to vomiting in a classroom cupboard or using a radio to request coverage to use the restroom due to rigid regulations.
The survey highlights that 95% of teachers struggle to balance their work duties with parenting responsibilities. Additionally, 70% have contemplated leaving the teaching profession because of the impact on their children. Many teachers, around 28%, felt pressured to return to work before fully recovering from pregnancy-related illnesses.
Moreover, the poll indicates that 85% of teachers on pregnancy-related sick leave were asked to continue working by setting assignments, planning lessons, marking work, and writing reports. Over half of the teachers, 51%, felt that their employers did not adequately assess or address workplace risks associated with their pregnancies.
Teachers expressed their challenges, with one teacher mentioning the lack of support during pregnancy and resorting to using a bucket in the classroom due to sickness. Another teacher reported being provided with a walkie-talkie to request restroom breaks. The survey also revealed that 77% of teachers wished they had taken more time off for maternity, paternity, or adoption leave.
NASUWT further highlighted the struggle of teacher-parents juggling work commitments with family obligations. A significant number of teachers, 86%, felt they missed important moments with their children due to work demands. Additionally, 82% stated that their job interfered with caring for their sick children, and 77% found it challenging to attend their children’s school events.
Matt Wrack, NASUWT General Secretary, condemned the lack of support for teachers in terms of maternity pay, parental leave, and flexible working options within the teaching profession. He criticized the inflexible working structures in schools, coupled with limited parental rights and high workloads, which are causing talented teachers to leave the profession.
The survey, conducted on 2,164 teachers in November and December by NASUWT, sheds light on the pressing issues faced by pregnant teachers in schools.