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Maternity and Paternity Leave

What happens if an ECT takes maternity or paternity leave?

Maternity and paternity leave are exceptional circumstances in that this leave is not deemed to be absence. When an ECT returns from such leave, they have the choice regarding whether they continue as if there had been no time away from school or whether they wish to pick up from the point at which they began the leave.

They must be mindful that:

· The final assessment is based on whether they have met or not met the Teacher Standards at the level expected of a teacher who has been teaching full time for two years. Therefore, they should consider whether there has been sufficient time in school for evidence to be gathered.

· When induction is complete, additional entitlements, such as non-contact time and mentoring are relinquished.

It is strongly advised that the Induction Tutor contacts the AB QA Officer at an early stage so that specific advice can be provided to both the school and the ECT.