Understanding Your Role
Many students successfully continue their studies throughout pregnancy without requiring formal support.
However, some students may benefit from additional planning, support or adjustments.
Staff play an important role in identifying when support may be helpful and ensuring students are aware of available options.
When Should I Encourage Disclosure?
Students are encouraged to disclose pregnancy as early as they feel comfortable so that support can be planned appropriately.
You should encourage referral where:
- a student discloses pregnancy;
- placement activity may be affected;
- health and safety considerations arise;
- adjustments may be required;
- the student expresses concerns about continuing study;
- return-to-study planning may be needed.
What Should I Do First?
If a student discloses pregnancy:
Listen
Respond sensitively and supportively.
Reassure
Explain that pregnancy does not automatically affect progression, placement or continuation of study.
Signpost
Direct the student to:
where a Pregnancy Support Meeting can be arranged.
What Should I Avoid?
Staff should avoid:
- making assumptions about capability;
- suggesting that interruption is inevitable;
- discouraging participation in study;
- sharing information without consent unless safeguarding obligations apply.
Pregnancy Support vs Support to Study
Pregnancy Support focuses on:
- pregnancy;
- maternity;
- adjustments;
- planning;
- continuation of study.
Support to Study focuses on:
- wellbeing concerns;
- engagement difficulties;
- safety concerns;
- complex barriers to study.
Some situations may involve both processes.
Pregnancy Support vs Fit to Train
Pregnancy alone should never trigger a Fit to Train referral.
However, where pregnancy affects readiness for a specific placement environment, a Fit to Train review may be appropriate to consider support, safety and reasonable adjustments.