Guidance for staff: supporting pregnant students and new parents

This guidance is for all staff supporting students who are pregnant, have recently given birth, are breastfeeding, or are becoming parents through adoption.

Miscarriage, still births and neonatal bereavement

If a student has experienced a miscarriage, still birth or neonatal bereavement please know that support from the university, and signposting to external organisations, is available.

Students can access wellbeing, mental health and counselling support from the university. Please contact Student Advice and Wellbeing for more information.

Students may prefer to access support externally. Student Advice and Wellbeing can signpost to local and national support networks, or students can contact them directly. Helpful links include Liverpool Family Information, the Miscarriage Association, and SANDS, which supports parents who experience a stillbirth or a neonatal bereavement.

Students may wish to take time away from their studies or need flexibility in their attendance and assessments. A Personal Circumstances form or Leave of Absence request can be submitted through the students My LJMU portal.

Support is also available to staff. If you would like to talk to someone, please contact the Employee Assistance Programme.

Key Information

  • Pregnancy, maternity and breastfeeding are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Students should not be treated less favourably because they are pregnant or have recently given birth.
  • It is the responsibility of the university to carry out relevant health and safety risk assessments for students who are pregnant or have recently given birth, particularly if the course is health related, laboratory-base or requires a placement.
  • Information shared by students should be treated confidentially and passed on sensitively, only where necessary, and with student consent.

When a student tells you they are pregnant or planning to become a parent

Students are encouraged to inform the university as soon as they feel comfortable about their pregnancy, or plans to become a parent. Usually this is through their Personal Tutor, School Director or Student Advice and Wellbeing.

A student is likely to approach a staff member who they trust. If a student discloses pregnancy or plans to become a parent with you, check who else at the university they have told.

  • Explain who at the university needs to be informed, and why. Encourage them to share this information and offer to help with this process.
  • If a student is considering their options about proceeding with the pregnancy it might be appropriate to signpost them to professional advice or support services including:
  • Discuss any initial questions they have related to their assessments, placements, attendance etc. It is advisable to book a follow up appointment to discuss support needs in more detail and submit a Leave of Absence request. If the course is health related, laboratory based or includes field work a health and safety risk assessment will need to be completed.
  • Signpost to the Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Guidance for Students and Student Advice and Wellbeing at an early stage.

For taught students, the Personal Tutor normally coordinates support. For PGR students, the Director of Studies or supervisor takes this role.

Study planning and reasonable adjustments

Discuss how pregnancy or parenthood may impact study and assessment. Consider reasonable adjustments such as:

  • Flexible attendance
  • Adjusted deadlines
  • Alternative assessment arrangements

Review arrangements regularly as circumstances change.

Leave of absence request

If the student intends to take more than the statutory two weeks’ leave they will need to complete a Leave of Absence request. This form can be found on the students My LJMU portal. Agree the leave dates and an approximate return date with the student.

Maternity leave

  • Up to 52 weeks maternity leave.
  • Leave can start from 11 weeks before the due date.
  • You must take at least 2 weeks compulsory leave after birth.
  • Maternity leave is usually unpaid unless you qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance.

Paternity or partner leave

If your partner is pregnant or adopting, you can request time off for appointments and usually up to two weeks leave following the birth or adoption.

Adoption leave

If you are the primary adopter, you have the same entitlement as maternity leave.

Health and safety responsibilities

Once notified, ensure a pregnancy‑specific risk assessment (PDF, 395KB) is completed promptly. This is essential for courses involving:

  • Laboratories or chemicals
  • Fieldwork or placements
  • Physical activity or manual handling

The University policy is that students will not be permitted to take part in any fieldwork from the 35th week of pregnancy.

Confidential medical information should not be requested from a student, as this may breach data protection. A referral to the LJMU Occupational Health Unit may be required if a GP or midwife advises adjustments. This is where confidential medical information can be discussed.

Adjustments may need to continue upon initial return to study or during breastfeeding.

The risk assessment and the Display Screen Equipment Self-Assessment Questionnaire (Word, 622KB) should be completed and returned to the LJMU Health and Safety Unit.

Funding and financial considerations

Typically any student finance funding, such as maintenance loans and bursaries, will pause during a Leave of Absence. Specific details will vary based on course type, funding body and any additional funding received. Students can contact the LJMU Money Advice team for individual funding information and for guidance about other funding they may be eligible for.

International students

Pregnancy‑related absence can affect student visas. The LJMU International Student Support team can provide guidance to students regarding their individual circumstances.

Accommodation

If the student is living in student accommodation they can contact their hall provider or the LJMU Accommodation Team to discuss options and any required adjustments.

Returning to study

Students will be contacted approximately one month prior to their scheduled return with registration information to initiate their return to studies. It is advisable that the programme team make contact to discuss any adjustments required upon return.

Students may contact Student Advice and Wellbeing at any time, including during their leave of absence.

Breastfeeding and babies on campus

LJMU holds the Liverpool Bambis Breastfeeding Friendly Mayoral Award, ensuring a supportive, welcoming environment for staff, students and visitors across campus. Breastfeeding is welcome in all public areas and private rooms are also available.

Faculties should:

  • identify suitable breastfeeding or expressing spaces
  • provide rest facilities where required
  • use flexible or temporary arrangements if dedicated rooms are not available

Getting advice

If you are unsure how to support a student, contact Student Advice and Wellbeing. Early advice helps ensure students are supported appropriately and consistently.

Relevant External Documents

Related LJMU Policies and Documents