TEACHERS should get 26 weeks’ maternity leave amid a “national scandal” over the numbers quitting over poor provision, NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack told its annual conference today.

Teachers are currently only entitled to four weeks’ full maternity pay which will increase to eight from the 2027-28 academic year. 

A new survey by the union shows that 95 per cent of teachers find it difficult to balance their work responsibilities with being a parent.

Seven in 10 reported having seriously considered quitting because of the impact of their work commitments on their children.

“Too many women teachers leaving the profession cite poor maternity provision as one of the reasons for leaving,” Mr Wrack told delegates gathered for the conference in Birmingham. 

NASUWT will campaign for negotiations for a nationwide 26-week measure “as a step towards the required rapid improvements in maternity, paternity and flexible working rights for teachers.”