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Student Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 Birkbeck, University of London (hereafter referred to as ‘Birkbeck’ or ‘the University’) values the diversity of its student community and is committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment, in which all students and their families, regardless of background, can achieve their full potential and are welcomed.

1.2 The University is therefore committed to supporting all students who are or become pregnant, terminate a pregnancy, experience miscarriage, still birth or neo-natal death, or welcome new children to their families through pregnancy or adoption.

1.3 Pregnancy and maternity have been protected characteristics since the introduction of the Equality Act (2010). Section 17 of the Act expands the protection from discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity to individuals outside the workplace. In doing so, the Act specifically mentions the HE sector.

1.4 This policy has been drawn up in line with the Equality Act (2010) and guidance set out by the Equality Challenge Unit on ‘Student Pregnancy and Maternity’.

1.5 The University is committed to ensuring that all students and applicants are treated fairly. It is also the commitment of the university to ensure the health and safety of its students and members of staff and particularly of any minors.

2. Guidance

2.1 For students who become pregnant during their studies, those who are pregnant when their studies begin, and those who have given birth within the previous 26 weeks.

  • 2.1.1 Contacting the School/Faculty: You have the right to inform the University whenever you feel comfortable to do so, however, we recommend that you inform your Personal Tutor as well as the Programme Director at your earliest opportunity, so that the University is in a better position to support you. If a student chooses not to disclose circumstances to the University, we will be unable to explore and implement appropriate and reasonable support arrangements.
  • 2.1.2 Implications for your studies and study leave: We understand that each situation is different and that the amount of leave that an expectant or new parent may want or need to take varies. If during your pregnancy you find yourself struggling to meet a deadline due to poor health or frequent hospital appointments, please refer to the Mitigating Circumstances Guidance. If you would like to take a period of leave, please refer to the Interruptions Policy. We recommend that you meet with the school and Personal Tutor to talk through your plans, whether or not you are intending to take a break, and to think together through the support that you may require. You will complete together the Study Plan/Schedule of Assessment form.
  • 2.1.3 Parental Leave: The amount of parental leave that a student chooses to take after their baby is born will vary according to their personal circumstances. However, you will not be permitted to attend University for two weeks after the birth of your child. This two-week period of absence is in line with health and safety regulations, Employment Law and Department of Work and Pensions guidelines (April 2014) and needs to be planned for in the Study Plan/Schedule of Assessment form.
  • 2.1.4 Returning to study: In advance of any planned return to studies, we recommend that you contact your school and Personal Tutor to think about the support you might need to return to study. If you have a disability, an existing mental health condition or are struggling with your mental wellbeing, it is recommend that you contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

3. Still births and miscarriages

3.1 In the event of a student suffering a miscarriage, a still birth or neonatal death, they are encouraged to contact the Counselling Service for support during that difficult time. In this circumstance, students are encouraged to take leave. The length of the leave will depend on the needs of the student and should be discussed with the Personal Tutor.

4. New parents through adoption or other

4.1 Students who are due to become new parents though adoption or other, should inform their Personal Tutor as well as the Programme Director at their earliest opportunity. If relevant, a plan should be developed in line with the guidance in this document and they should complete the relevant sections of the Study Plan/Schedule of Assessment form.

5. For the Personal Tutor and Head of School

5.1 Contacting the Student: We recommend that the Head of School (or nominee) and Personal Tutor meets with the student as soon as they are made aware of the pregnancy, to discuss the implications for their studies and agree specific support arrangements. Please complete the Study Plan/Schedule of Assessment form with the student as soon as you become aware of the pregnancy and review it at weeks 24 and 36. Support will be available from Student Services and the Student Support and Wellbeing Team as required. It is also recommended that the School carries out a Health and Safety Assessment.

5.2 On return from any period of leave, students should be offered a meeting with their Personal Tutor and in the case of PhD students, their Research Supervisor also, to support their return to study.

6. For Student Services staff

6.1 Student Services staff will:

  • 6.1.1 provide advice and support to academic staff in relation to the operation of this policy
  • 6.1.2 provide advice and support to students in relation to the operation of this policy
  • 6.1.3 provide advice and support to students with psychological or emotional concerns and disabilities, including but not limited to, mental and physical health conditions that may or may not be related to pregnancy or maternity etc.

7. Children on campus

7.1 In this document, a child is defined as anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. ‘Children’ therefore means ‘children and young people.’

7.2 We understand that returning to studies after becoming a parent can be challenging and that arranging childcare can be difficult. If you require support in covering the costs of childcare, please see financial support for childcare.

7.3 In exceptional circumstances, such as last-minute cancellation of childcare arrangements, the parent might be able to take their child to a single and specific class or activity that does not pose any risk to the child. The parent is responsible for ensuring that the child’s behavior does not interrupt the given activity. Please note that children are not permitted in laboratories and in addition, some non-Birkbeck external buildings, for example the British Medical Association.

7.4 Children are welcome on campus for short periods of time and for specific activities when a parent’s participation isn’t required, such as returning a library book.

7.5 New parents are welcome to breastfeed their babies on campus. The Students’ Union is currently working with the different university cafes and to become supporters of the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ Scheme.

7.6 Following the Working Together to Safeguard Children Act (2018) we all have duty to safeguard children by protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development, ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. If anyone becomes concerned about a child, please contact the Safeguarding Team.

8. Disputes and complaints

8.1 If a disagreement arises between a student and academic or professional support staff on how this policy should be implemented in respect of their circumstances, or if students are dissatisfied with the University’s handling of this policy in respect of their circumstances, students can make a complaint using the Student Complaints Policy and Procedure.

9. Monitoring and review

9.1 The implementation of this policy will be reviewed after one year, to ensure its effectiveness: thereafter, the policy will be reviewed on a three-yearly basis.

Policy review

  • Created: May 2023
  • Latest update: August 2026
  • Date of next review: 2026-27 academic year
  • Owner: Head of Student Support and Wellbeing Services
  • SLT owner: DVC Education and Student Experience
  • Committee oversight: Education and Student Experience Committee for Academic Board