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You have the right to request an extension of your induction period. ATL would usually advise this course of action, but do seek advice from us first.
You do not have to have your induction period extended by the period of your absence on statutory adoption leave, but you will not have successfully completed induction and will no longer be eligible to teach (unless your headteacher informs you that s/he will be in a position to informs the appropriate body (ie the local authority or ISCTIP) that you have satisfactorily completed the induction requirements).
If you adopt a child during your teacher training course, speak to your tutor – your options include taking a year out from your studies, or doing a reduced number of modules.
Maternity leave
The child must be placed with you through an approved adoption agency.
Adoption leave or pay are not available for those parents adopting a child that is already known to them, i.e. a partner's child from a previous relationship.
When you should inform your employer
You must notify your employer within seven days of being notified of the date of your child's placement. You will need to inform your employer of the expected date of placement and when you wish your adoption leave to start. Your employer will then write back to you within 28 days confirming this information and stating the date that you are due to return to work if you take your full entitlement to adoption leave.
Starting adoption leave
Your leave may start from:
Once you have notified your employer of the date you wish to start adoption leave you will need to give 28 days' notice to vary this date.
During adoption leave
During adoption leave you remain an employee and have the same rights as other members of staff, except to pay. Your employer may have a 'Keeping in Touch' policy which allows you to be kept formally informed of developments at work and enables the employer to know how you are getting on with your child. This may make it easier for you when you return to work.
Returning to work
There is no requirement for you to inform your employer if you return on the agreed date. If you wish to amend this date you will need to inform your employer giving at least 28 days' notice. If you are ill at the end of your adoption leave then you are entitled to sick leave providing you have a doctor's certificate.
Statutory adoption pay
To qualify for statutory adoption pay you must have been employed for 26 weeks by the date of notification of placement. Statutory adoption pay is £102.80 per week or 90 per cent of your average weekly earnings if less than the lower earnings limit (£79 as at April 2004). Your average weekly earnings are based on your earnings for the two months prior to the week in which you are notified of being matched with a child for adoption. Statutor y adoption pay is treated as earnings and you will pay tax, national insurance and pension contributions as appropriate.
Multiple employment
If you work for more than one employer and qualify for statutory adoption pay with each employer then you are entitled to receive statutory adoption pay from each employer.
Multiple adoptions
If you adopt more than one child at one time then only one period of adoption leave can be taken and one payment of statutory adoption pay.
Overseas adoptions
Identical benefits apply to adoptions from overseas.
Membership of ATL
ATL offers a special membership package for members who are about to go on adoption leave and/or plan to take a break from teaching in order to raise a family. Please contact our Membership department on 020 7782 1602.
Help and support
For further advice on this issue, ATL members can speak to their school rep, their branch secretary or their regional official. They can also call the London (020 7930 6441), Cardiff ( 029 2046 5000) or Belfast offices (02890 327 990) or email info@atl.org.uk.
For out of hours enquiries, call the out of office hours helpline on 020 7782 1612 (Monday-Friday, 5-8pm during term time).
If you are not a member, join now.