At School and Pregnant?

If you're pregnant and still at school, the law states that you must continue your education until you reach the normal school leaving age.

The type of education you get depends not just on what you want but also on what your local authority has to offer.

Staying at School

Your school may be happy for you to stay as long as you want, and may even encourage you to do this. On the other hand you may feel 'different' and would rather have lessons elsewhere.

If you do decide to continue, be flexible about how long you plan to stay. Some young women have the energy to continue until a month of so before the birth, whilst others feel very tired from quite early on.

If you are keen to do your GCSE's, then staying at school for as long as possible is probably your best bet. When you feel it's time to stop, you'll be offered one of the other options to keep you in touch with school work.

Unfortunately, not all schools are happy to have a pregnant young woman at school. Their reasons vary - some worry that she'll be more vulnerable to accidents such as knocks and falls. Others fear that it's bad for their school image. Whatever the reason if your school isn't happy about your attending during your pregnancy, then they have the final say.

Home Tuition

Your local education authority may offer free home tuition as an option for pregnant young women. The arrangements vary from area to area.

Special Units

Not all local education authorities have these units. They are geared towards preparing pregnant young women for motherhood. A number also have nurseries on the premises and continue to teach young women after they've had their babies.

Returning to School

If you're below school-leaving age then you will be expected to return to school, once you've had your baby (usually six weeks after the birth). Exactly when you return depends on how fit you feel and whether your baby can be looked after while you are at school.

Who Can Help?

If you or your parents want more advice about the education choices you are being offered or for practical help then the following people can help:

• The education welfare office (EWO) will advise you and your school about the education choices in your area. Each school has an EWO and she/he will usually be informed of your pregnancy as soon as the school knows.
• LIFE Pregnancy Care Service - can offer emotional and practical support ie. baby clothes and equipment. Call our National Helpline on 0800 915 4600 for details of your nearest Care Centre.