when to return
When you decide to return to work is an individual decision, and dependent on you, your family and your child.
your rights
You do not need to give any notice of return if you are going back to work at the end of maternity leave. You simply go to work on the day that you are due back. Your employer should write to you to confirm the date your maternity leave ends.
You are not allowed to return to work two weeks after childbirth or four weeks if you work in a factory as this period is Compulsory Maternity Leave. Otherwise, if you want to return before the end of your maternity leave, you must give you employer at least eight weeks notice of the date you will be returning. You can change you mind about returning to work early providing you give at least eight weeks notice before the date you now intend to return or the date you had intended to return, whichever is earliest. If you return without giving eight weeks notice, your employer is entitled to postpone your return for full notice period.
You cannot stay off work after your maternity leave has ended as you will lose your right to return to work. If you need more time off you could ask your employer if you can take annual leave immediately after your maternity leave.
Your holiday leave accrues whilst you are on maternity leave. You could use this either to extend the period you are off at the end of maternity leave or on your return use it to take a day off a week until it runs out.
returning when your child is under six months old
If you want to go back to work before your baby is six months old and you want to continue breast feeding (using expressed milk from a bottle) you will have to make feeding plans, expressing milk and freezing it.
Your options may be more limited if you want to go back to work before your baby is four months old and you may need to rely on a nanny or family member for help.
Some nurseries without an on site kitchen may need you to bring your own pureed food for your baby. Asquith Nurseries all have on site kitchens and will provide this service.
returning when your child is between one and three years old
Some nurseries do not accept children under the age of one. Most Asquith Nurseries have special facilities for babies and very few do not offer this at their sites.
Some pre school nurseries may require your child to be out of nappies and/or able to feed themselves. By six months your baby will probably have found some routine in sleeping and eating. Make sure the nursery staff are aware of this routine and stick to it whilst your child is with them.
returning when your child is over three years old
All three and four year olds are entitled to free early years education, comprising five 2½ hour daily sessions a week, for three terms each year. Parents do not contribute towards this minimum entitlement but may be charged fees for any services or childcare that is additional to the free place.
This early years education is with a 'registered provider' such as a school, nursery or playgroup. Some large employers provide registered early years education at the workplace. You can also use a registered childminder if they are part of an approved childminding network. The Government funds local authorities to ensure a free part-time early education place is available for every three and four year old in settings that have been inspected by Ofsted and found satisfactory in terms of quality in England.
Free places can be provided by a variety of providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors including registered childminder networks.
