Supporting Students Throughout Pregnancy, Parenthood and Return to Study
The University of Wolverhampton recognises pregnancy and maternity as protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and is committed to ensuring that students are treated fairly, with dignity and without discrimination.
Pregnancy should not be a barrier to education.
The purpose of the Pregnancy Support Process is to provide a structured and supportive framework through which students can access support, adjustments and planning to enable them to continue their studies safely and successfully wherever possible.
The process is designed to:
- Support continuation of study wherever safe and feasible.
- Identify and remove barriers to participation.
- Consider health and safety requirements.
- Support placement planning where relevant.
- Facilitate return to study following childbirth.
- Ensure students are not disadvantaged because of pregnancy or maternity.
What Pregnancy Support Is Not
Pregnancy Support is not:
✘ A disciplinary process
✘ A fitness assessment
✘ A judgement about capability
✘ A requirement to take leave
✘ A Fitness to Practise process
The process exists to support students, not restrict them.
What Support Might Be Considered?
Support may include:
- timetable adjustments;
- assessment planning;
- attendance flexibility;
- placement planning;
- wellbeing support;
- risk assessments;
- travel considerations;
- postpartum support;
- return-to-study planning.