So you are still in education and having a baby…

Having a baby can be a daunting prospect, both emotionally and practically at any age but particularly challenging when you are still in education. When having a baby there are numerous considerations to be made and it may be that you want to get professional advice. The following national organisations can also give you help and advice:

​Worth Talking About – if you think you may be pregnant, you can get confidential advice from the Worth Talking About helpline on 0300 123 2930

• Brook – if you're under 25, you can visit your nearest Brook service for free confidential advice, or use the Ask Brook text and web chat service from Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
• The National Sexual Health line offers free confidential information and advice on sexual health, relationships and contraception on 0300 123 7123

​Education
With regard to education, there exists a statutory obligation that you are still provided with the opportunity to learn as any other student of compulsory school age.

​Where to learn?
Depending on your circumstances, it may be that you can remain within mainstream education with options for private tuition, home learning or Pupil Referral Unit attendance. It is understood that there will be periods when attending your normal school is not possible for one reason or another, so your school can authorise absence for up to 18 calendar weeks before and after the pregnancy.

​An Educational Welfare Officer will work with you, other agencies and family to find the solution that suits you best. If you are still living with your parents, then they have an obligation to ensure that you are able to attend the education provision offered to you.

​Transport and other services
There is no statutory obligation to provide you with transport, but in cases where you have a letter from your GP saying that you can no longer walk to school, as a result of the pregnancy, then the local authority working along with others may be able to help.
​The school should ensure that you receive full information about

​services in the local area, know how to access them and have the opportunity to talk through the options available.

​Apprenticeships and maternity options
If you are on an apprenticeship then you are entitled to a variety of maternity rights including leave of up to 52 weeks, depending on circumstances such as how long you have been on the apprenticeship . 

​You may also be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Maternity Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) through the job centre.
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You must tell your employer that you are expecting a baby by the 15th week before the baby is due, but it may be beneficial to do so before that, so provision can be made for health and safety or other considerations.

Take a look at the Maternity Action website for more detailed information.
http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/advice-2/mums-dads-scenarios/7-adopting-or-involved-in-a-surrogacy-arrangement/maternity-and-parental-rights-for-apprentices-2013/

​Childcare 
When returning to education, evidence suggest that it is most successful if you return in stages, and find childcare close to where you are studying or if you have trusted family that can help look after the baby while you attend your lessons. This should form part of your education planning and review process with professionals involved.

Funding is available through the “Care to Learn” scheme and you will need the support of the school and local authority support worker to complete the application form. Anyone under 20 years old can access the ‘Care to Learn’ grant. It provides a sum to meet childcare and transport costs to and from a childcare provider.

The childcare must be provided by an Ofsted registered child carer for reasons of safety and quality, but could include a friend or relative provided they become (or are already) Ofsted registered as a childminder or approved carer.
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Courses to become Ofsted registered are available online and can be completed through distance learning, without the need to 

attend in person. Prices vary from about £180+ and take approximately 6 weeks to complete.

If a blood related family member is going to become Ofsted registered, so you can claim funding through the ‘Care to Learn’ scheme, they must have a minimum of two other children on their books to be accepted under the scheme.

For more information about Care to Learn, call 0800 121 8989.

Counselling and support
It may be that you and your partner attend the same school and if the relationship has ended, then issues may arise. Dealing with other students can be challenging, juggling your studies around a new baby, managing money and just coming to terms with the life adjustments of having the responsibility of a baby.

The school may be able to provide counselling if you are having difficulties dealing with the challenges of becoming a parent. This applies to both fathers and mothers.

​​Furthermore, allowances should be made for both parents to have the opportunity to attend appointments and support groups that will help in developing good parenting skills and ensuring the good health of the baby.

General
The main thing to remember is to keep communication open with your school/education provider or employer, support workers and family, if possible. They can support you in providing information, referring you to other organisations and help you access funding to make things easier for you and support you in becoming a parent.