Teachers-Changing to supply teaching after maternity leave do I have to repay money?

[Shirebird]

Hi
I'm a first time mom currently on maternity leave from a full time teaching post in a primary school. I am considering resigning from my post (I officially return to work end of July, with proper restart in September) and starting supply work to help with work/life balance. Does anyone know if I will have to repay maternity pay if I don't return to my current school for 13 weeks? I am intending to supply teach 4 days a week through an agency.
Thank you!

 

[Pearls18]

I'm not sure who pays teaching maternity pay, but you will need to look at your policy. I'm not a teacher but just thought I would share what I've heard!

I know you won't have to pay back your SMP, that technically comes from the government, if you got enhanced pay that was full pay for X amount of weeks, half pay for X amount of weeks, then that might have to be paid off if you don't return depending on your policy. I have 2 friends who are teachers, one paid it back, the other went back for one term only but as you are classed as working during the holidays she didn't have to work 3 months solid if that makes sense, then she resigned. So if it's the same for all teachers it sounds like you might have to pay back the enhanced bit. But not SMP

 

[My_First]

All you can do is check your contract. It varies so much.

 

[BlaireUK]

I'm not a teacher but public sector worker and my contract says I have to return to work for a period of three calendar months after my maternity leave ends to avoid having to pay back my organisations occupational enhanced maternity scheme. You don't repay the statutory element and tbh I'm not sure how enforceable or efficient it would be for them to pursue you for the enhanced element.

As a teacher you must get 6-weeks summer leave starting in July so you won't technically return until late Aug/Sept? Could you submit a flexible working request to reduce your days / hours as an alternative? That way you get guaranteed days to help you manage childcare & retain perks like holiday pay?