Our Family Care Leave support, provided by Schools Advisory Service, involves three hour-long sessions:

pre-leave - attend during the half term before your parental leave starts
during leave - attend during your parental leave to prepare for your return to school
post-leave - attend following your return to work as a working parent.

The purpose of the support is to enable you to have smooth transitions throughout your period of leave, bridging the often conflicting demands of work and becoming a new parent whilst providing support to adjust to your new role as a parent (whether this is your first child, second or more).

The pre-leave session will focus on:

leaving well - your preparation for exiting your current role and starting your period of leave
keeping in touch - school communications during your leave and planning your Keeping in Touch days
getting ready - for your new family responsibilities - practically and emotionally
focusing on you - prioritising your wellbeing
thinking ahead to the future - planning your return to work and focusing on your longer term career aspirations

The during leave session will focus on:

adjusting to your new parenting responsibilities
preparing for your return to work including making good use of Keeping in Touch days, organising suitable childcare and the importance of creating a support network around you as a working parent

The post-leave session will focus on:

adjusting to life as a working parent (whether this is your first child, second or subsequent)
helping you and each family member to thrive and grow
thinking ahead to the future and focusing on your longer term career aspirations

You'll be joining peers from other schools who've recently returned to work following their maternity leave, with an opportunity to share experiences and aspirations in an informal, safe and confidential online space.

The sessions will be held on:

Pre-Leave: May 11th 3.15-4.15pm

During Leave: May 18th 2.00-3.00pm

Post Leave: May 18th 3.15-4.15pm

Preparing Parents - May