Student Life
www.advice.salford.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 295 0023
Guidance for Students: Student Pregnancy, Maternity, New
Parenthood and Adoption
Contents
Disclosure
Information & Planning: Student Life
Information & Planning: your Programme of Study
Pregnancy, Maternity, New Parenthood & Adoption Support Plan
Pregnancy Risk Assessment
New Mother’s Risk Assessment
Other guidance for Student Pregnancy, Maternity, New Parenthood &
Adoption
Staying in touch while pregnant
Time of for antenatal and medical appointments
Miscarriage
Termination of Pregnancy
Maternity Leave
Adoption Leave (for ‘Primary Adopters’)
Parental Support Leave (for partners of pregnant people or ‘Primary
Adopters’)
Resuming your studies after Maternity, Adoption or Parental Support
Leave
Breastfeeding on campus
Specific additional guidance for NHS Bursary / Nursing & Midwifery students
Pregnancy: existing students
Maternity Leave
Adoption Leave
Parental Support Leave (for partners of pregnant people or ‘Primary
Adopters’)
Resuming your studies
Students are advised to read the following:
1. Student Pregnancy, Maternity, New Parenthood and Adoption Policy for
information which is not included in this Guidance for Students document. The
policy is located at http://www.salford.ac.uk/about-us/corporateinformation/governance/policies-and-procedures/browse-by-theme/3
2. Dedicated / additional guidance at the end of this section for e.g. NHS-funded
students, if it is relevant to you.
Page 1 of 8
University of Salford
Student Guidance: Student Pregnancy (July 2015)
Disclosure
1. Consider whether to inform the University. You are not under any obligation to
disclose to us if you become pregnant, including if your pregnancy ends; if you are
adopting a child; or have recently gained parental responsibility for a child.
2. However if you tell us in good time, then staff can work with you to:
a. Identify the information which is relevant to you, including any options or
restrictions, such as in relation to funding schemes, or professional body
regulations.
b. Taking into account your preferences where possible, help you plan and
make arrangements, whether this is to start / continue with your programme,
defer starting / studying until a later date, or another option.
c. (If you are pregnant), carry out a risk assessment to ensure the safety of
yourself and your child. It will be particularly important to review any risks at
an early stage if your programme may include activities such as lifting heavy
or awkward items or working with hazardous chemicals.
Information & Planning: Student Life
1. You are very much encouraged to make appointments at askUS to review:
a. (If you are an international student in the UK on a visa) The implications for
your immigration status and right to remain in the country, if that is what you
would like to do.
b. Sponsorship / bursary / funding for tuition fees / living costs for your
programme of study and how this will be affected (if at all) by your plans.
c. Financial support which you may be eligible for and how this could affect your
student funding, benefits etc.
d. Your accommodation, especially if you are living in private rented or studentonly accommodation, or if you hope to change your accommodation
arrangements due to your pregnancy, maternity or new parenthood.
e. Who you will need to inform of relevant changes such as extending your
period of study, taking time out from study etc.
Information & Planning: your Programme of Study
1. Once you have gained a good understanding of the issues mentioned above and are
starting to form a view of what you may want to do in relation to your programme of
study, and if you have decided to disclose, then:
a. (If you are an applicant) please inform your Admissions Tutor or Programme
Leader
b. (If you are a current student) please inform your Programme Leader
c. (If you are a postgraduate research student) please inform your Supervisor
d. (If you are currently on placement) please inform your Placement Tutor
e. If you are unable to inform the person in the role listed above or are unsure
who to contact or how to contact them, you can ask at your School Office or
askUS.
Page 2 of 8
University of Salford
Student Guidance: Student Pregnancy (July 2015)
Important: if you are pregnant then you are advised to contact your Programme
Leader / Supervisor/Placement Tutor immediately for a risk assessment to be
carried out. You can meet again to review other arrangements at a later date.
2. You will then be invited to an initial meeting with your Programme Leader or
Supervisor or Placement Tutor as appropriate. The purpose of this meeting is:
a. to make arrangements to meet your needs during pregnancy, following birth,
as a new parent, a Primary Adopter or supporting parent, and when you
return to your studies, and if breastfeeding,
b. to give due regard to your safety and that of your child in context of the nature
and requirements of your programme of study
3. You will need to bring some evidence that you are pregnant, a new parent or
anticipating becoming a parent to the meeting. If you are pregnant, please bring in a
copy of your Maternity Certificate (Form MAT B1) which is issued to you by your
midwife or GP. If you are adopting, please bring a matching certificate or relevant
official notification. A copy of this supporting evidence will be placed with your
Pregnancy, Maternity, New Parenthood & Adoption Support Plan and any Risk
Assessments.
4. When you meet, your Programme Leader will complete, as appropriate:
Pregnancy, Maternity, New Parenthood & Adoption Support Plan
The purpose of this plan is to ensure that your needs are met during the pregnancy,
following birth / adoption and when you return to your studies. It will detail any special
arrangements required during the pregnancy and maternity or adoption process. Your
plans around Maternity / Parental / Adoption Leave and return to study can be incorporated
into the plan, either as part of this meeting or as you develop them.
Pregnancy Risk Assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to identify any risks to you or your baby which may be
present, or which may occur during your pregnancy, and to detail the steps that need to be
put in place to alleviate or minimise these risks. This may be particularly relevant in certain
Schools (e.g. where you might be exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation, or be expected
to lift heavy objects or undertake other strenuous activity). Activities such as placements will
need to be reviewed as part of the risk assessment, although placement providers will need
to undertake their own risk assessment also.
New Mother’s Risk Assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that you can return to your studies safely and
that your needs are met, including if you are breastfeeding.
5. Once these documents have been completed, your Programme Leader will request
your permission to share it with your Personal Tutor. After this point your Personal
Tutor will be your primary point of contact for any questions, issues or changes which
may arise. If you are pregnant, your Personal Tutor will schedule meetings for you to
meet in week 20 and week 30 of your pregnancy to ensure the arrangements
continue to meet your needs.
Page 3 of 8
University of Salford
Student Guidance: Student Pregnancy (July 2015)
6. If you are pregnant you are advised to schedule a meeting with your Programme
Leader between 15 and 6 weeks before your expected delivery date to make
arrangements for your Maternity Leave. Depending on the nature of your
programme, your Programme leader will outline options relating to matters such as:
 The proposed start and end date for your Maternity Leave
 Any outstanding assessments ( including those relating to placements) or
reassessments you may have;
 How to minimise the impact of Maternity Leave on your progression on the
programme;
 How you can keep yourself up to date regarding the teaching & learning
on your programme;
 Understanding that some things may change on your return such as being
allocated to a new group or Personal Tutor;
 Support and preparation for your return to study
You are also encouraged to talk to your Midwife or GP to ensure this leave is
appropriate for your circumstances; especially if you are thinking of coming back after
two weeks.
Other guidance for Student Pregnancy, Maternity, New Parenthood &
Adoption
Staying in touch while pregnant
1. When your pregnancy reaches 20 weeks, and again at 30 weeks, you should meet
with your Personal Tutor. At this meeting you will review and update your ‘Pregnant
Mothers Risk Assessment’ and Pregnancy, Maternity, New Parenthood and Adoption
Support Plan to ensure they remain current.
2. During your pregnancy, if you experience issues which are related to, or which may
affect, your pregnancy it will be appropriate for you to review your arrangements and
risk assessment with your Personal Tutor. If you are in the last four weeks before
your Expected Due Date and you have a pregnancy-related illness, it is likely that
you will be asked to provide a letter from your midwife or GP confirming that you are
fit to continue on your programme (if you are).
Time off for antenatal and medical appointments
1. Where possible you should try and arrange appointments around your classes,
personal study time or days off from placement. If absence for antenatal or medical
appointments impinges on your assessment submission there may be an untoward
effect on your progression. The Personal Mitigating Circumstances (PMC) process is
not normally appropriate for planned medical appointments.
Miscarriage
1. If you suffer a miscarriage the University recognises that you may need time off for
tests and to recover. You can request an Authorised Absence from your Programme
Leader. If you have assessments during this period you may wish to submit a
Personal Mitigating Circumstances form.
Page 4 of 8
University of Salford
Student Guidance: Student Pregnancy (July 2015)
2. If you need some additional support at this time you can contact the University
Wellbeing Service wellbeing@salford.ac.uk or 0161 295 7008
Termination of pregnancy
1. If you decide not to continue with your pregnancy you do not have to tell the
University.
2. After a termination, the University recognises that you may need time off to recover.
You can request an Authorised Absence from your Programme Leader. If you have
assessments during this period you may wish to submit a Personal Mitigating
Circumstances form.
3. If you need some additional support at this time you can contact the University
Wellbeing Service wellbeing@salford.ac.uk or 0161 295 7008. The charity
Antenatal Results and Choices (www.arc-uk.org) provides specific advice to students
considering a termination for reasons relating to antenatal test results.
Maternity Leave
1. You are legally required to take at least two weeks’ Maternity Leave after giving birth
including if your baby is stillborn after more than 24 weeks of development. This two
weeks’ leave can be recorded as ‘Authorised Absence’ so you will still have access
to the University’s facilities; i.e. Blackboard, email, library facilities, so that you can
keep yourself up to date with your programme requirements.
2. Registered students who have given birth are entitled to take up to 52 weeks’
Statutory Maternity Leave. However, you will need to take relevant advice about the
implications of time out in relation to your programme because of e.g. student
funding, visa and professional body regulations, and whether any financial support is
available to you.
3. If you are taking more than two weeks’ of Maternity Leave, then you will likely need to
register an interruption from your programme via the student portal. The week prior
to the interruption date access the student portal and input your information. Choose
the ‘maternity, parental support leave and adoption leave’ option.
Adoption Leave (for ‘Primary Adopters’)
1. If you are adopting with a partner, and you are both students, you will be asked to
nominate which of you is the ‘Primary Adopter’ for the purposes of Adoption leave.
The other partner can request Parental Support Leave upon formal adoption of your
child.
2. Registered students who are nominated as the Primary Adopter are entitled to take
up to 52 weeks’ Statutory Adoption Leave. However, you will need to take relevant
advice about the implications of time out in relation to your programme because of
e.g. student funding, visa and professional body regulations, and whether any
financial support is available to you.
Page 5 of 8
University of Salford
Student Guidance: Student Pregnancy (July 2015)
Parental Support Leave (for partners of pregnant people or of ‘Primary Adopters’)
1. This section applies to students who will have parental responsibility for the child
their partner is giving birth to or will be the ‘Primary Adopter’ for. You will need to
provide evidence of this.
2. If your partner is pregnant, you may want to attend their antenatal appointments.
Where possible you should try and arrange appointments around your classes,
personal study time or days off from placement. If absence for medical appointments
impinges on your assessment submission this may affect your progression. The
Personal Mitigating Circumstances (PMC) process is not normally appropriate for
planned medical appointments.
3. If your partner has complications with their pregnancy or a serious pregnancy-related
illness then you may need to take time off. If this time is during an assessment and
examinations period then you may wish to submit a Personal Mitigating
Circumstances form; you will need to provide supporting evidence.
4. If you are adopting with a partner, and you are both students, you will be asked to
nominate which of you is the ‘Primary Adopter’ for the purposes of Adoption leave.
The other partner can request Parental Support Leave upon formal adoption of your
child.
5. You can take up to four consecutive weeks Parental Support Leave within 56 days of
your partner giving birth, or if you adopt a child but are not the nominated ‘Primary
Adopter’. However, you will need to take relevant advice about the implications of
time out in relation to your programme because of e.g. student funding, visa and
professional body regulations, and whether any financial support is available to you.
6. You are advised to discuss your request for Parental Support Leave with your
Programme Leader at least 15 weeks prior to your partner’s expected due date / the
expected adoption date.
Resuming your studies after Maternity, Adoption or Parental Support Leave
1. You are encouraged to contact your Programme Leader a reasonable time before
you plan to return so that you can discuss your return to your programme (4 weeks is
advised in the case of a longer absence).
Breastfeeding on campus
1. You can speak to your School Office ahead of your return to study, who will arrange
a safe place for you to breastfeed your baby and to express and store milk.
2. You are also referred to the ‘ Children on University Premises Policy’ .
Page 6 of 8
Student Life
www.advice.salford.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 295 0023
Specific guidance for NHS Bursary Funded/Nursing & Midwifery students:
Pregnancy: existing students
1. If you are seconded by a National Health Service (NHS) Trust you should inform the
appropriate person in the Trust as soon as the pregnancy has been confirmed as
Trust policies have to be followed. Seconded students are funded by their Trust.
2. The Programme Leader should ensure that where risks are identified in either theory
or practice you must be referred to Student Occupational Health Service (OHS) for
ways to alleviate or minimise any risks.
3. Any Authorised Absence for medical appointments will be added to your attendance
record. You need to be aware that this period of Authorised Absence may have to be
made up in order to comply with certain professional registration regulations.
4. In line with all students, any uniform allowance or standard provisions that are
available to you for clinical placements or practice experience are not available
should you require further uniforms during your studies (e.g. for maternity or general
wear and tear). You are currently not able to buy maternity versions of the standard
uniform style through the current suppliers, so you should buy a plain version of the
appropriate garment (i.e. plain white tunic / plain white polo shirt, larger size dress or
trousers).
Maternity Leave
1. You are encouraged to take a minimum of 12 weeks Maternity Leave, which will be
recorded as Authorised Absence and therefore added to your attendance record.
2. You need to be aware that this 2 - 12 week period of Authorised Absence may have
to be made up in order to comply with certain professional registration regulations.
3. You may take a maximum interruption to your studies of 52 weeks paid Maternity
Leave see:
a. http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/816.aspx (search on Guidelines for the NHS
Bursary Scheme Maternity Award) http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1667.aspx
4. Following the birth of your baby, please contact your Programme Leader as soon as
possible, and contact the NHS Bursary unit http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students.aspx
informing them of the birth of your baby as you may be entitled to additional
allowances.
5. In line with all students who interrupt, you may have to change NHS Trusts on your
return to your programme.
Page 7 of 8
University of Salford
Student Guidance: Student Pregnancy (July 2015)
Adoption Leave

If you have a stipend, NHS bursary or research council funding, you are likely to be
eligible for a period of paid adoption leave. You are advised to familiarise yourself
with the terms and conditions of your funding.
Parental Support Leave

You need to be aware and must discuss with your Programme Leader that this four
week period of Authorised Absence may have to be made up in order to comply with
certain professional registration regulations

Should it be necessary to extend your period of study at the end of the programme
as a result of parental support leave (please note: this does not include making up
time), the NHS bursary may be extended for four weeks.
Resuming your studies
NHS Bursary Students
 If you have been away for a year, you will be asked to complete and return your
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance, and attend an Occupational Health
Service appointment and assessment before you resume your studies. If you have
been away for less than a year you could still be asked to do this if your GP or
midwife requests it.
 You must contact the NHS bursary service to inform them of your return to the
programme NHS bursary student notification of return to the programme flowchart
NHS Nursing & Midwifery students:
 As above plus you need to complete a Moving & Handling plus Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) update
Page 8 of 8