MATERNITY LEAVE

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31660, 22 April 1968, Page 6

MATERNITY LEAVE

Review By Board The effects of maternity leave on school staffing will be reviewed by the Canterbury Education Board because It is concerned about women teaching during advanced stages of pregnancy and also about the uncertainty whether women given maternity leave will return. The manual and technical committee reported that it “viewed with disfavour” the employment 8f women in advanced stages of pregnancy. Mrs C. C. Holland said present maternity leave provisions were made when there was an extreme staff shortage and boards wanted to retain staff as long as possible. Women teaching close to the birth of their babies were not good for adolescent girls who were impressionable and emotional. Maternity leave regulations should be reviewed. Mr S. W. Gower said ht repeatedly heard complaints from school committees about women being off work for part of one term and part of the next for maternity reasons. Such women were entitled to respect and consideration but the welfare of pupils must come first. Mr D. L. Waghorn said uncertainty about staffing was the most serious aspect. Mr E. F. Wilde said he would support an Inquiry on that ground but not on the condition of women teachers in schools. Mr R. K. Milne said the improved staffing situation certainly changed the arguments about maternity leave.