EDC – 7 November 2014
Agendum 11
Student Pregnancy, Maternity
and Adoption Policy
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Background................................................................... 3
Legal Protection............................................................ 3
Policy Statement.......................................................... 4
Scope of the Policy....................................................... 4
Disclosing a Pregnancy................................................ 4
Health and Safety......................................................... 5
Implications for Study................................................... 6
7.1.
Maternity related absence....................... 6
7.2.
Support Plan............................................ 6
7.3.
Assessments and examinations.............. 7
7.4.
Fieldwork................................................. 7
7.5.
Study Abroad/ Placement....................... 8
7.6.
Resuming Studies.................................. 8
7.7.
Visas...................................................... 8
7.8.
Travel..................................................... 9
7.9.
Financial Considerations........................ 9
7.10.
Accommodation.................................... 10
7.11.
Babies/Children on Campus................. 10
7.12.
Breastfeeding....................................... 10
7.13.
Support for Parents and Partners......... 11
7.14.
Fertility Treatments............................... 12
7.15.
Complaints............................................ 12
Guidance for Staff..................................................... 12
Appendices
Appendix 1. Policy on Family Leave for Research Students ........ 16
Appendix 2. Student Support Plan................................................. 19
Appendix 3. Contacts List.............................................................. 32
UoH Student Pregnancy, Maternity and Adoption Policy/ Nov 2014/AM
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1.
Background
Given the predicted demographic change of an increased number of older students
in higher education (an expected increase in mature and part–time students), the
number of students becoming pregnant during their studies is likely to increase
(Universities UK, 2008).
At the same time, the Equality Act 2010 significantly strengthens the legal
responsibility of all higher education institutions to protect students from pregnancyand maternity- related discrimination.
2.
Legal Protection
The Equality Act 2010 significantly strengthens legal protection for students
(including applicants to higher education) during pregnancy and maternity.
The Act considers pregnancy and maternity to be a protected characteristic and
makes it unlawful for HEIs to discriminate against applicants and students in relation
to admissions; the provision of education; access to any benefit, facility or service;
and disciplinary proceedings.
Under the Act, discrimination can occur against a student because of her
pregnancy or because she has given birth if:

the student is treated unfavourably because of her pregnancy,

within 26 weeks of the day of giving birth the student is treated unfavourably
because she has given birth; this also applies in cases of miscarriage, still
birth and neonatal death provided more than 24 weeks of the pregnancy
have elapsed,

the student is treated unfavourably because she is breastfeeding and the
child is less than 26 weeks old; if the child is more than 26 weeks old,
unfavourable treatment because of breastfeeding is direct discrimination,

if a woman’s partner is treated unfavourably because of her pregnancy or
because she has given birth, this may constitute sex discrimination.
The protected characteristic of pregnancy and maternity is included in the public
sector equality duty (PSED) of the Equality Act. The PSED requires HEIs to have
due regard to the need to:


eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that
is prohibited by or under the Act,
advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant
protected characteristic and people who do not share it,
UoH Student Pregnancy, Maternity and Adoption Policy/ Nov 2014/AM
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
3.
foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected
characteristic and people who do not share it.
Policy Statement
The University aims to provide an environment where students are supported and
treated fairly and with dignity and respect irrespective of their equality characteristic.
This includes pregnancy, maternity, paternity, the process of adoption and whilst
breastfeeding.
The University of Hull believes that becoming pregnant or having a young child should
not, in itself, be a barrier to study and aims to balance flexibility with provision of
consistent, non-judgemental, accurate and high quality information, guidance and
support whilst maintaining academic standards.
4.
Scope of the Policy
The policy covers:

any student who becomes pregnant during her studies

prospective students who are already pregnant when they commence study


any student who has given birth within the previous 26 weeks
any student who is about to become a parent because their partner
(including same sex partner) is pregnant, and who expects to be
responsible for the child
any student who has recently become a parent e.g. through adoption.
any student who is breastfeeding
any student undergoing fertility treatment



5.
Disclosing a Pregnancy
Following a consultation with their General Practitioner (GP) and/or other appropriate
services, applicants and students are encouraged to notify the University about their
pregnancy through their Personal Supervisor or other member of their departmental/
school staff. As some students may feel uncomfortable discussing their pregnancy
with a male supervisor, departments/schools should appoint an appropriate female
member of staff to support the student. If a student is uneasy about discussing their
pregnancy with the department, they could seek advice and support from the Student
Support Services or the HUU Advice Centre (see Contacts List in Appendix 3).
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It is important that the University is notified about a pregnancy as there may be
elements of the programme that may present a risk to the health and safety of the
student and/or the child. In addition, arrangements may need to be put in place to
support the student during the period of pregnancy and maternity.
If the student decides to terminate the pregnancy, or miscarries, this need not be
disclosed to the University. Absence from the University required as a result should
be classed as ‘sick leave’ but there is no need to give the specific reason. Details of
the University’s mitigating circumstances form which covers ‘absence with good
cause’ can be found on the link below.
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/usefulforms.aspx
If a student decides not to notify the University about their pregnancy, or if they have
a very young child (less than 26 weeks), it will not be possible to put special
arrangements in place for health related absences, examinations, leave of absence,
risk assessments, reasonable adjustments, return to study or adaptations to clinical
practice uniforms worn by student nurses.
6.
Health and Safety
There may be health and safety measures needed to be put in place in order to
protect the student and her unborn baby or a mother within 26 weeks of giving
birth. The greatest risk to an unborn baby is during the first 13 weeks of
pregnancy and so it is important that the student informs the University as early
as possible.
This will be particularly relevant in certain departments or schools where the
student might be exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation, or be expected to lift
heavy objects or undertake other strenuous activity. Following this disclosure, the
department or school will carry out a Risk Assessment with guidance from the
Health and Safety Office. This will identify any risks that may be present which
could harm the student or her unborn baby during pregnancy, or in the first 26
weeks following the birth, and detail steps that need to be put in place to alleviate
or minimise these risks. It should also detail any risks that may arise from any
placement period or fieldwork due to be undertaken.
There is also a requirement to identify any risks to pregnant women within existing
risk assessments so that any female student of childbearing age can identify
potential for risk and cease certain activities if necessary.
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7.
Implications for Study
7.1 Maternity related Absence
All students are allowed to take maternity-related absence following the birth of their
child. Maternity related absence applies equally to live births and still births after 24
weeks. The length of absence will be determined by the personal circumstances of
the student and the structure and content of their course. Students are required to
take a minimum of two weeks absence following the birth or four weeks if they are on
placement in a factory. This is in line with employment law, and is to ensure the
health and safety of the mother following birth. NHS Student Bursaries recommends
a minimum of 12 weeks’ maternity absence, but allows students to return earlier if
they have approval from their GP or health worker.
At a minimum, students should be allowed to take one year out of study. Where
there is concern about her knowledge of the field being affected by the length of
time taken, the student’s department or school should take steps to ensure she is
kept up to speed with developments in the field. For example, the student could
be sent lists of key reading and new research, and dates and transcripts of
departmental lectures, and steps can be taken to ensure they can access key
journals.
7.2 Support Plan
The personal supervisor or other relevant person within the department or school will
meet with the student to discuss how the pregnancy or maternity period is likely to
impact on her study.
There may need to be an interruption of studies or a deferral of the start of study,
depending on when the baby is due. The student, together with her Personal
Supervisor or other nominated staff member will decide whether an interruption or
deferral is needed and, in the case of an interruption of study, the time period this
needs to cover. This decision also needs to take into account the academic
requirements of the student’s programme. A student with a baby due near the
examination period might require confirmation from her doctor that she is fit to sit
exams. Time off might also be needed for medical appointments.
A support plan (see example in Appendix 2) should be devised (in writing by the
Personal Supervisor or other nominated staff member) detailing any special
arrangements agreed during the student’s pregnancy and in the first 26 weeks after
the birth. The plan should also include the agreed timescale for her return to study
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and the agreed review dates. The student should receive a copy of the support plan,
as should any other appropriate member(s) of staff requiring this information
(including, where necessary, Conveners of Boards of Examiners or Progress
Committees). The student’s permission should be established before passing on
information.
If the student continues to study during her pregnancy and during the first 26 weeks
after giving birth, she should meet regularly with her Personal Supervisor or other
designated member of staff, to review the support plan and to assess the
effectiveness of any special arrangements put in place. Where necessary, further
adjustments may be made where practicable.
7.3 Assessments and Examinations
In examinations, pregnant students may require rest breaks and may need to visit
the toilet more frequently than those who are not pregnant. They may also require a
more comfortable and supportive chair. Consequently, the students may need to sit
the examination in a location separate from the other students.
If a student is concerned about sitting examinations or meeting assessed work
deadlines, or has a pregnancy-related health condition that is exacerbated by stress,
she should be advised to seek advice from her GP or midwife. If advised against
sitting an examination or trying to meet the assessed work deadline, an alternative
method of assessment should be explored.
If a student is unable to undertake an alternative method of assessment, or if she
experiences significant pregnancy-related problems in the course of an examination
or when undertaking assessed work, the department or school may need to make
arrangements for her to resit the examination at the earliest possible opportunity or
agree an extension for resubmitting coursework. Where it is agreed that the student
should resit the examination then this should be done via the mitigating
circumstances process so that the resit is considered as the student’s first attempt
provided medical evidence is presented.
7.4 Fieldwork
Where the student plans to take part in fieldwork as part of their studies, during
their pregnancy or the first 26 weeks following the birth of a child, a risk
assessment should be carried out by the department or school responsible for
organising the fieldwork. There may be particular risks associated with the
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fieldwork and the student should discuss this fully with the appropriate member of
staff.
7.5 Study abroad/ Placement
If the student becomes pregnant whilst on a study year abroad or a placement,
she must contact the department or school to make appropriate plans to ensure
that her health is safeguarded and academic progress is properly managed. The
placement provider will be expected to carry out a risk assessment.
Students should indicate the date on which they intend to start maternity-related
absence as well as the length of maternity-related absence that they intend to take
and this will be noted in the support plan.
7.6 Resuming Studies
To ensure appropriate support and re-integration arrangements are put in place,
students should give as much notice as possible of their return to study. Where they
have had a year’s maternity leave it is recommended they give at least two months
notice and where they have had six months or less, at least one month’s notice. The
student must inform the Department or School when she is due to return and the
support plan should be reviewed with her Personal Supervisor or nominated person
to ensure an appropriate timetable for re-integration into her programme of study,
including the examination schedule and any special features such as fieldwork or
placements. The student must also notify the Student Administrative Services via
their department or school to ensure that her University record is updated to indicate
that she is back on her programme of study.
7.7 Visas
Students requiring a visa to study in the UK must check the terms of their visa closely
and comply with any restrictions or requirements. If an overseas student requires a
Tier 4 General Student Visa to remain in the UK during their period of study, UK
Home Office regulations must be taken into consideration. Students are advised to
contact the Visa Support Team based in University House for advice about visa
regulations.
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7.8 Travel
Students should be able to travel during pregnancy unless they are advised not to
do so by their doctor or midwife. However, students should be aware that airlines
have different policies and may not allow travel beyond 36 weeks or, in the event
that the pregnancy is complicated or multiple, beyond 32 weeks. Students will
need to check individual airline policies before travelling, and be aware that
airlines will ask students for proof that it is safe for them to travel.
UK students who are on placement or studying abroad will need to check their visa
terms and conditions as they may need to extend their stay or return to the country
at a later date.
As pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition by insurance companies,
students who are pregnant prior to commencing a field trip or their placement or
study abroad will need to check whether their insurance covers them for preexisting conditions.
7.9 Financial Considerations
There are various financial considerations depending on the programme
of study, sponsor and whether students are from the UK, EU or
International. Postgraduate and Research students receiving funding from
external bodies should follow the guidance for their particular scheme, or
contact their funding body or sponsor for further advice.
Research-Council-funded students are entitled to maternity leave and
pay. In October 2010, the University of Hull adopted a Family Leave
Policy in respect of University funded research students. This is in line
with the Research Council guidelines and is found in Appendix 1 of this
document.
Undergraduate students should note that funding will usually stop when the
suspension of study begins and students should seek advice from their funding
bodies.
The University Withdrawals Policy covers refunds of tuition fees for self-funded or
privately sponsored students who suspend study for a range of reasons including
maternity leave. For further information please see
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/money/policies.aspx .
International students with financial sponsors must contact their sponsors and
agree a plan of action such as deferring study or when to resume study etc.
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If the plan of action includes returning home for the duration of their pregnancy, it
should be remembered that most airlines have restrictions on carrying pregnant
women and this should be taken into account when planning.
Home students who find themselves in financial difficulties can apply for some
funding from the ‘Access to Learning Fund’ and International Students can apply to
the ‘Supplementary Hardship Fund’. Both these funds are administered by the Loans
and Hardship Team within Student Support Services. This team will also advise
students on the benefits they may be eligible for.
See http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/support/loansandhardship.aspx .
7.10 Accommodation
Students who become pregnant whilst living in University accommodation may find
that this is no longer suitable for health and safety reasons. Contact should be
made with the Accommodation Office for advice on finding more suitable
accommodation. www.hull.ac.uk/accommodation
7.11 Babies/Children on Campus
Students may bring babies and children into public areas of the University but the
University cannot accept any liability for the child in these circumstances. Students
should not bring babies to teaching or learning areas unless they are under 26
weeks and the person with the baby is the one responsible for breastfeeding them.
In addition, they must not disrupt other students’ learning. There are certain areas
like laboratories with chemicals which are unsafe for babies and children which
should be avoided for health and safety reasons.
Students must ensure they have suitable childcare arrangements in place at times
when they are expected to be at University. Students wanting a nursery for their child
within the University premises can apply to the Little Einstein Childcare Centre for a
place, although these are provided on a first come first served basis to students, staff
and members of the community. Email: w.oliverbirch@leccl.karoo.co.uk
7.12 Breastfeeding and baby changing facilities
The University respects the rights of mothers to breastfeed in public but can provide
private facilities if required. There is a rest room which can be used for breast
feeding and a fridge for storing milk in Loten building on the Hull Campus. This can
be accessed by contacting the Health and Safety Office Tel: 01482 465165. The
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Scarborough Campus will provide rest and baby feeding facilities on request by
contacting Campus Connect within the Keith Donaldson Library. If a student needs
these facilities within their department or school, they should ask their personal
supervisor, who may be able to make appropriate arrangements within the
department or school.
Baby changing facilities can be found in the disabled toilets in Staff House and
University House on the Hull Campus and in the disabled toilet next to the Calvino’s
Cafe Bar on the Scarborough Campus.
7.13 Support for Parents and Partners
Any student who is to become a father, or any partner of a pregnant student
(including same sex partners) who expects to be responsible for raising the child with
the mother, will be entitled to request time out of study. This is likely to include time
off for medical appointments prior to, and after the birth, as well as a period of no
more than two weeks maternity support leave immediately following the birth.
A student in this situation should contact his/her Personal Supervisor or other
designated staff member in the department or school to discuss this. Flexibility will
be shown where possible, although this will necessarily be more limited in some
programmes than others. It should be noted that the Personal Supervisor will require
to be informed, even if discussions involve a different staff member.
Students about to become parents (e.g. through adoption) should inform their
department or school of their circumstances as soon as possible. Arrangements
can be made to allow time out of study. This may vary depending on the age of
the child, the programme of study being undertaken, and the point in the
academic session at which the event takes place. Again, the Personal Supervisor
will be informed if discussions involve a different staff member.
For students receiving research funding, it may be possible for a period of maternity
support leave to be allowed, and students should contact their sponsor or provider
prior to arranging leave. See Appendix A for further guidance.
Students requiring a visa to study in the UK must check the terms of their visa
closely and comply with any restrictions or requirements of the UK Home Office. If
clarification is needed, advice should be sought from the Visa Support Team based
in University House.
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7.14 Fertility Treatment
The University recognises that some students may need to take time off for fertility
treatment and this will be treated sympathetically. As fertility treatments vary
depending on individuals’ health/disability circumstances, type of clinic attended
(NHS or private) and the location of the clinic, students may need to take off varying
times of study for such treatments. As such, each case will be treated on an
individual basis including whether mitigating circumstances will apply to the time
taken off. It is also recognised that undergoing fertility treatment can be a stressful
time for individuals. Personal Supervisors or other members of staff supporting a
student would therefore be expected to refer the student to other services like
counselling where appropriate.
7.15 Complaints
Any student who feels that the University has failed to live up to the standards of this
policy may raise a complaint under the University’s Complaints Procedure.
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studenthandbook/regulations/complaints.aspx .
It is suggested that problems are resolved as informally as possible in the first
instance. The HUU Advice Centre can provide impartial, confidential advice to
students in this situation.
8.
Guidance for Staff
This section provides guidance on the support of students coming under the
scope of this policy, for use by any member of staff with a role in advising or
supporting students. The support plan in Appendix 2 will prompt and assist you to
record all the relevant information. You may also need to contact the Health and
Safety Office for assistance with carrying out a risk assessment.
At all times, staff must ensure those students are not treated less favourably than
any other student on the basis of their circumstances. In line with the University’s
legal obligations, flexibility should be shown where possible to ensure continued
learning is facilitated.
Information given by students should be treated confidentially (being passed on
where necessary only with the student’s consent) and with sensitivity. Staff should
not attempt to influence any student’s decision but should provide impartial advice.
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When a student contacts a member of staff to discuss any circumstances covered by
this policy, a response should be made within five working days and a meeting
arranged as soon as possible thereafter. If the member of staff being contacted by
the student is not the student’s Personal Supervisor, the Personal Supervisor should
nonetheless be kept informed. Staff must inform the student of this intention.
Whilst it is recognised that each request must be dealt with on an individual basis,
there are a number of measures that can be used in order to enable the student’s
continuation of study. These include:

Allowing time out of study (for a pre-determined amount of time) for the birth
and a period of time thereafter

Prior to and after the birth, giving permission for periods of absence for
medical appointments, and making arrangements for the student to catch
up on missed classes
Where a student is unable to complete her course or module before
taking maternity-related absence, allowing her to complete the course or
module on her return





Showing a degree of flexibility regarding assignment deadlines if the
student’s circumstances make it difficult for them to be met
Allowing resit examinations to be counted as first attempts where the
pregnancy or birth prevents the student from taking them at the usual first
attempt
Consideration of any requests to transfer to part-time study, where this is
possible, although the student should be made aware of the financial
implications of this course of action
Offering support to help the student reintegrate to their studies after any
period of prolonged absence
It is important to take the views and wishes of the student into account, rather than
applying a standard set of arrangements. All decisions taken should be based on
discussion with the student.
Whilst an appropriate degree of flexibility should be exercised, care must be taken to
ensure that academic standards are not compromised. A balance must be achieved
between ensuring the student is not disadvantaged, and giving undue special
treatment. It is not necessary for the University to grant every request made, although
efforts should be made to meet reasonable requests. Requests should not be refused
solely on the basis of being too costly to implement, although this will necessarily be
considered when assessing the overall ‘reasonableness’ of a request.
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If any request is refused, (for example where the course structure or content
indicates the need for a student to return to study sooner than she would like to), the
reasons for the refusal should be provided in writing for the student.
If there is concern about a student’s health in relation to her proposed return date or
her course requirements, the student should be asked for their GP’s or health
worker’s confirmation of their fitness to return to study.
Take account of exceptional circumstances which may force students to extend the
length of maternity leave that they take beyond the standard time allowed, for
example in cases of postnatal depression, serious illness or loss of a baby, or where
there is no available childcare.
Where specific arrangements are required to be put in place for a student who is
already granted additional arrangements (e.g. on the grounds of disability), these
should be kept separate in order that it remains clear which arrangements relate to
which particular circumstance. This ensures that these arrangements are in place for
the required amount of time and also clarifies adherence to the different pieces of
legislation.
As pregnancy and maternity are protected under the Equality Act 2010, the absence
allowed due to pregnancy and maternity related reasons should be treated as a
separate category of intercalation and should not be counted towards the overall
periods of absence allowed under the intercalation policy.
For staff requiring more detailed guidance, please contact the Equality & Diversity
Advisor.
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REFERENCE
Universities UK (2008) The future size and shape of the HE sector in the UK:
demographic projections. Universities UK, London.
http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/highereducation/Pages/SizeAndShapeDemographic
Projections.aspx
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Appendix 1: Policy on Family Leave for Research Students
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
University of Hull
25 October 2010
Research Degrees Committee
Item 8
(A sub-committee of University Research and Enterprise Committee)
[Part A: Unreserved Business]
___________________________________________________________________
New Policy on Family Leave for Research Students
During the process of impact assessment of the University’s intercalation policy, it
was noted that the current procedure of suspending maintenance payments for
University Scholarship students intercalating on the grounds of maternity could be
seen as discriminatory.
A survey of the current practice of Research Councils in respect of the various
categories of sickness and Family Leave was carried out and the findings are listed
below:
Sickness
All Research Councils allow suspension of studies for extended periods of sickness
and extend the period of study and support for up to 12 months, but do not provide
maintenance payments during the suspension of studies (or intercalation).
Maternity Leave
AHRC – nine months paid leave and a further three months unpaid
BBSRC – six months paid leave and a further six months unpaid
EPSRC – paid leave in line with statutory maternity provision
ESRC - six months paid leave and a further six months unpaid
NERC - six months paid leave and a further six months unpaid
2010 Research Council single set of core terms and conditions:
The Research Organisation must make suitable arrangements for coping with
absences of students for illness, maternity leave, paternity leave, adoptive leave,
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extended jury service and holidays. All Research Council funded students are
entitled to take 6 months of maternity leave on full stipend and a further 6 months of
unpaid maternity leave. The Research Organisation must ensure that it is aware of
unauthorised absences by students, so that future payments may be stopped and
those already made in advance of need can be recovered. The period of a student’s
support may be extended at the Research Organisation’s discretion to offset a period
of genuine absence, subject to finding the necessary funding from within the
Research Organisation’s Training Account. Where there are insufficient funds in the
Training Account to meet the costs of maternity leave, the Research Council will
consider compensation at the end of the grant to cover the additional costs arising
from maternity leave providing the RO can demonstrate that it lacks the flexibility to
meet the costs of maternity support and that it has no other contingency funding of
concurrent Training Grants on which it could draw.
Paternity Leave
AHRC – two weeks within the normal study and support period
BBSRC – four weeks within the normal study and support period
EPSRC – no information
ESRC - two weeks within the normal study and support period
NERC – no information
Adoption Leave
AHRC – nine months paid leave and a further three months unpaid
BBSRC – six months paid leave and a further six months unpaid
EPSRC – no information
ESRC - six months paid leave and a further six months unpaid
NERC - six months paid leave and a further six months unpaid
Recommendation to University Research and Enterprise Committee:
That the University adopts the following Family Leave policy for the students it funds
and the Research Council funded students it hosts where there is no published
policy. The same time scales, with no funding, apply for all other research students.
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Maternity Leave
The University will fund six months paid leave and will allow up to a further six
months unpaid leave, recorded as an intercalation, with the prescribed period of
study extended by the total period of leave taken.
Paternity Leave
The University will allow two weeks within the normal study and support period with
no extra time added to the prescribed period of study, nor any extra maintenance
payments.
Adoption Leave for the ‘primary carer’ of the child (whether male or female).
The University will fund six months paid leave and will allow up to a further six
months unpaid leave, recorded as an intercalation, with the prescribed period of
study extended by the total period of leave taken.
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Appendix 2: Student Support Plan
The Support Plan aims to guide Personal Supervisors or other members of
departmental/school staff in their discussions with students during pregnancy and
maternity. It provides a way of recording and agreeing key information and
demonstrating that the student’s needs are being met. Not all sections will apply to
all students, so the plan should be used on a case by case basis.
It is not intended that this plan should be completed at a first meeting as initially a
student will be unable – and should not be expected – to respond to all the issues
raised. For assistance with completing any aspects of the plan please contact the
Equality and Diversity Advisor.
The plan should be reviewed at key stages (eg 16 weeks pregnant, 24 weeks
pregnant, and prior to return to study); or at key points of the academic year (eg prior
to examinations and field trips). If the student’s circumstances change, the plan will
also need to be reviewed. This plan should not be shared without prior consent from
the student and should be stored in accordance with the University’s Data Protection
Policy.
Contact details
1
Student’s details
Name
Address
Telephone
Email address
Student number
2
Emergency contact’s details
Relationship to student
Telephone
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3
Programme details
Programme title
Department/School
Departmental contact
Year of programme
4
Details of the student’s first point of contact within the University
Name
Title
Department/School
Telephone
Email
Key dates (to be reviewed and added to cover the course of pregnancy and
maternity)
5
What is the student’s due date?
6
How many weeks pregnant was the
student when they notified the
University of their pregnancy?
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Communication with the student
7
What is the student’s preferred method of communication:
=during pregnancy?
=during maternity-related absence?
=on return to study?
Informing others about the pregnancy
8
Who will need to be informed about the student’s pregnancy and when would
the student like them to be informed?
Name and title
9
Date
Has a risk assessment been conducted? Please attach a copy of the
completed assessment to this plan. (Advice on carrying out a risk
assessment can be sought from the Health and Safety Office).
= the student’s programme of study
= placements or study abroad
= University accommodation
= examinations or other
assessments
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= field trips
= return from maternity-related
absence
= breastfeeding
= taking a baby into a lecture or
assessment
= other
10
Where relevant, actions identified to
alleviate or minimise risks. Who is
responsible for ensuring they are
implemented?
Accommodation
Student living in University accommodation
11
12
Is the student living in University
accommodation?
If yes to question 11, has the student
contacted the HUU Advice Centre
and/or the Accommodation Office for
advice?
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13
Will the student need to find
alternative accommodation?
Student living in private sector accommodation
14
If the student is living in private sector
accommodation, have they received
advice from HUU Advice Centre,
HUU Homes or Accommodation
Office?
Rest Facilities
15
Has the student been informed about
rest and breast feeding facilities on
campus?
Pregnancy-related absence
16
17
18
Will the dates or times of antenatal
appointments affect the student’s
study?
Has any pregnancy-related illness
that has affected the student’s ability
to undertake their programme of
study been discussed?
If yes to either questions 16 or 17,
what arrangements have been made
to enable the student to catch up?
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Assessments
19
Is the student unable to complete any
assessments due to their pregnancy
or maternity?
20
If so, provide details:
21
What alternative arrangements have
been made for any outstanding or
incomplete assessments?
Mitigating circumstances
22
Has the student been informed about
the University’s mitigating
circumstances policy in the event that
their pregnancy or maternity affects
examinations and assessments?
HUU Advice Centre can provide
advice.
Maternity-related absence (students should provide information in writing at
least 15 weeks before their due date)
23
How much maternity-related
absence does the student intend to
take?
24
When does the student intend to
start maternity-related absence?
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25
When does the student intend to
return from maternity-related
absence?
26
Will the dates of maternity-related
absence affect the student’s ability to
complete any module requirements?
27
If so, what arrangements have been
made to enable the student to
complete the module?
28
What information will the student
require during maternity-related
absence to keep up to date on
programme developments?
29
Who will be responsible for providing
the information to the student?
Financial support
30
31
Has the student discussed
implications on payment of tuition
fees? (see Section 7.9 of the policy)
Has the student been informed about
sources of financial support or been
referred to an internal/external
organisation that can do so? (see
Section 7.9 of the policy). HUU
Advice Centre can provide financial
advice.
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32
Is the (UK) student aware of how any
benefits they receive will affect their
student support entitlements, and
vice versa?
33
Specify any follow-up required:
Baby feeding
34
Does the student intend to feed their
baby on university premises on their
return to study? (See Q.9)
35
Has the student been informed about
the facilities available on campus?
Childcare
36
Has the student been informed about
childcare facilities on campus or in
the local community?
37
Is the (UK) student aware that their
mode of study will affect their
childcare funding entitlements?
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International students registered for full degrees at Hull
38
Have these students been advised about:
=possible airline restrictions which
may prevent travel to their home
country for the vacation or return
travel to Hull if they fall within airline
restrictions while on vacation?
=the need to check visa implications
of returning home or extending their
stay due to pregnancy and maternity?
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International students at Hull as visiting students on placement from another
university
39
Have these students been advised about:
= possible airline restrictions which may
prevent travel to their home country for
the vacation or return travel to Hull if they
fall within airline restrictions while on
vacation?
= the need to check visa implications of
returning home or extending their stay
due to pregnancy and maternity?
= the advisability of informing their home
university of their situation and taking
advice on whether their pregnancy/
maternity will affect their study abroad
placement?
Hull students on placement away from Hull (including industrial placement and
study abroad)
40
Who is responsible for liaison with the
student’s placement provider or host
institution?
41
Has the student notified the placement
provider/host university about their
pregnancy?
42
Have appropriate checks been made into
the support available from the placement
provider/host university for
employees/students in their care?
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43
Is the placement provider aware of the
University’s policy on supporting students
during pregnancy and maternity?
44
Will the student be able to complete their
placement/period of study abroad?
45
In the case of study abroad and
placements overseas, is there a risk that
airline restrictions may prevent the
student returning to the UK at the
expected time?
46
If the student has to end their placement
or study abroad period early, what
alternative arrangements will be made?
Return to study
47
What support will be provided to the student on their return to study?
= meetings with key staff, discussion
regarding changing mode of study,
putting the student in contact with
other student parents
48
= are the student’s lecturers and/or
seminar leaders aware that a student
who is breastfeeding or has a baby
under 26 weeks old may request to
bring their baby to lectures and
seminars.
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Fertility Treatment
49
If the student is undergoing or plans
to undergo fertility treatment, when
did they inform the University?
50
Is the student aware of the HUU
Advice Centre and the Student
Wellbeing Service?
51
Does the student know how much
time they may need to be away from
their studies for the planned
treatment?
52
Is this likely to impact on their
attendance, assessed work or
exams?
What plans will be put in place to
enable the student to complete their
course?
Further information
53
Any other information or comments
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Signatures
Plan to be reviewed on
Agreed by Personal Supervisor or other member of departmental staff
Name
Title
Signature
Date
Agreed by student
Name
Signature
Date
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Appendix 3: Contact List
Useful Contacts at the University of Hull:
Accommodation Office, University House:
Email: rooms@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 6042
www.hull.ac.uk/accommodation
Equality and Diversity Office, Venn building:
Email (Equality and Diversity Advisor): a.mwangi@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 6333 / 46 5732
www.hull.ac.uk/equality
Graduate School, Graduate School building:
Email: gs@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 6844
www.hull.ac.uk/graduateschool
Health and Safety Services, Loten:
Email (Secretary): l.s.hirschfeld@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 5165
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/administration/healthandsafetyservices.aspx
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Hull University Union (Student’s Union), University House: www.hullstudent.com/
HUU President: Tel: 01482 46 2064. Email: huu-president@hull.ac.uk
HUU Vice President (Welfare): Tel: 01482 46 6259. Email: huu-welfare@hull.ac.uk
Reception: Tel: 01482 46 4000. Email: huu-reception@hull.ac.uk
HUU Advice Centre: Tel: 01482 46 6263. Email: huu-advice-centre@hull.ac.uk.
HUU Advice Centre Website: www.hullstudent.com/welfare/advice-centre
International Office, Dennison Centre, Cottingham Road:
Email: international@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 6904
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/international/international.aspx
Occupational Health, Raines House, Cottingham Road:
Email: occupationallhealth@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 6011
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/occhealth.aspx
Student Administrative Services, University House:
Email: student-admin@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 2222
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/student/studentadministrativeservice.aspx
Student Financial Services, University House:
Email: studentfinance@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 5674
www.hull.ac.uk/studentfinance
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Student Support Services, University House:
Email: studenthelp@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 2020
www.hull.ac.uk/studentsupport
Visa Support Team, University House:
Email (Manager): s.maller@hull.ac.uk
Tel: 01482 46 6810
http://www2.hull.ac.uk/international/visa_guidance.aspx
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External services
Adoption UK
Adoption UK is a national charity run by and for adopters, providing self-help
information, advice, support and training on all aspects of adoption and adoptive
parenting.
www.adoptionuk.org.uk
Antenatal Results and Choices
The only national charity that provides non-directive support and information to
expectant and bereaved parents throughout and after the antenatal screening and
testing process.
www.arc-uk.org
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service supports reproductive choice and health by
providing help to women with an unplanned pregnancy, or a pregnancy they choose
not to continue. The Service also offers a range of other reproductive health
services.
www.bpas.org
Conifer House Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services
www.conifersexhealth.co.uk
Conifer House, based in Hull City Centre, offers information and support on all
services related to sexual and reproductive health including pregnancy
http://www.conifersexhealth.co.uk/home/women-s-health/pregnancy/
4th floor, Wilberforce Health Centre, 6-10 Story Street, Hull, HU1 3SA.
Tel: 01482 336336. Text CONIFER to 61825.
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Crisis Pregnancy Centre, Hull
The Crisis Pregnancy Centre is a small faith-based charity in Hull – a short walk from
the Hull campus - offering information and support to people with various pregnancyrelated issues in a non-judgemental way, including unplanned pregnancy support,
emergency contraception and a free, confidential pregnancy testing service.
Bradbury Community House, 310 Newland Avenue, Hull HU5 2NB.
Tel: 01482 492929.
www.crisispregnancy.co.uk
Direct Gov
Direct Gov is the UK government’s website www.direct.gov.uk. It provides
information on health, care and benefits during pregnancy; benefits for parents and
information on childcare providers in your local area which can be found at
https://www.gov.uk/find-registered-childminder
Equality Challenge Unit
The Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) works to support equality and diversity for staff
and students in higher education institutions across the UK and Scotland.
www.ecu.ac.uk
This ECU guidance, the first of its kind in the sector, outlines how institutions can
ensure students aren’t discriminated against on the grounds of pregnancy and
maternity: ‘Student pregnancy and maternity: implications for higher education
institutions’.
http://www.ecu.ac.uk/publications/student-pregnancy-and-maternity/
Family and Childcare Trust
The Family and Childcare Trust aims to make the UK a better place for families,
through research, campaigning and information provision, and working with
government, employers and parents to reduce pressures on family life.
www.familyandchildcaretrust.org
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Family Planning Association
The Family Planning Association’s mission is to establish a society in which
everyone can make informed choices about sex, relationships and reproduction. Its
website contains impartial advice on pregnancy, abortion and adoption and also
contains a list of useful organisations.
www.fpa.org.uk
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals Pregnancy Advice Service
The HEYPAS provides a confidential abortion service, which includes counselling for
women who ask for support in decision making. This is a comprehensive service
which also provides the full range of contraception, a sexual health risk assessment
and screening, counsellors and support workers and onward referral to other
specialist services as required.
http://www.hey.nhs.uk/Gynaecology/pregnancy-advisory-service.htm
Miscarriage Association
The Miscarriage Association offers support and information to anyone affected by
the loss of a baby in pregnancy.
www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
National Health Service (NHS)
The National Health Service provides information relating to all aspects of health
including pregnancy, abortion, health in pregnancy and maternity, and services
provided by the NHS.
www.nhs.uk
National Union of Students (NUS)
www.nus.org.uk
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Nursery - Little Einsteins Childcare Centre Ltd
The closest nursery to Hull campus is based at 117 Cranbrook Avenue, Hull HU6 7SS
Tel: 01482 803934
To find the closest nursery to Scarborough campus, or for any general or
pregnancy/maternity - related enquiries contact Scarborough Campus Connect:
Tel: 01723 377277. Email: campusconnect@hull.ac.uk
___________________________________________________________________
SANDS
The still birth and neonatal death charity (SANDS) provides support to anyone
affected by the loss of a baby and conducts research into the causes of still and
neonatal death.
www.uk-sands.org
___________________________________________________________________
Scarborough Campus
For any general or pregnancy/maternity - related enquiries contact Scarborough
Campus Connect:
Tel: 01723 377277. Email: campusconnect@hull.ac.uk
Please Note: The list of useful contacts is correct at the time of printing – December
2014. Please check the web for up to date contact information.
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