The MaternityTeacher PaternityTeacher Project - Cradle to Classroom Programme 2025-26

Findings from TeacherTapp revealed that ‘there is a big gap in support for teachers coming back from leave. Many said they felt forgotten, out of the loop, or like a spare part when they returned’, and as a result, ‘returning to work can feel ‘messy’. 

The New Britain Project and The MTPT Project’s Missing Mothers report found that only 38% of mother-teachers surveyed were satisfied with the maternity leave and transition support provided by their school. 

Since 2023, The MTPT Project’s Cradle to Classroom programme has already changed this narrative for more than 700 new parents and colleagues with young families, including 40 participants based in the East of England.

Olivia, an Essex-based secondary class teacher, attended a Return to Work workshop at the end of her maternity leave.  This 90-minute interactive webinar offers participants the chance to prepare logistically and emotionally for a confident return to work.

Olivia said she “gained a sense of community” from the supportive conversations in breakout rooms, and was grateful for the opportunity to ask questions in a safe space.  She found that the workshop helped her to feel confident and excited about returning to work, and helped her to have conversations with her line manager about how to support her further. She left the workshop feeling more organised, and encouraged by the tips and ideas she had heard about how to manage home and work life.

Ensuring all three elements of the Cradle to Classroom programme are fully funded for state school colleagues is just one of the ways that Saffron Teaching School Hub is helping to improve working conditions for staff at this important point in their personal lives.

Details of the full Cradle to Classroom programme

Eventbrite - Parental Lead group coaching programme

Eventbrite - Return to Work workshops

Eventbrite - Sustain and Grow group coaching