24 Aug 07

Oxford University is one of the most parent-friendly higher education employers, according to a recent Guardian survey.

Oxford was rated as one of three ' best-in-sector ' higher education institutions in what the newspaper believes to be the first survey of parenting benefits across a wide range of British employers.

The survey found that many employers advertise as special benefits what they are required to provide by law, such as 52 weeks' maternity leave or unpaid parental leave for fathers.

Recent changes in law, which came into effect in April, now entitle mothers to 39 weeks of statutory maternity pay (SMP). This is made up of six weeks at 90 per cent of average weekly earnings, and an additional 33 weeks at a flat rate of £112.75 per week (or 90 per cent of average weekly earnings if that is less that £112.75 per week).

Oxford received its top ranking because its provisions go well beyond these requirements. Eligible mothers receive 26 weeks' full pay followed by 13 weeks' SMP while on maternity leave. Fathers or partners are entitled to two weeks' leave on full pay, which can be taken from seven weeks before the birth and up to 26 weeks afterwards. Eligible employees adopting a child are entitled to virtually identical arrangements.

Once parents return to work, the University offers flexible working schemes and up to two days' paid leave for emergencies.

Oxford currently has 219 full-time equivalent subsidised workplace nursery places, some at University premises and some at private nurseries. Parents can pay for their childcare using a salary sacrifice scheme or virtual vouchers, which mean savings in tax and national insurance.

There are also holiday play schemes on offer to help keep children busy outside school terms.

Dr Holly Bridge, Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellow at the University's Clinical Neurology Department said: 'It is never easy to combine a research career and a young family but the generous maternity pay and subsidised nursery places offered by Oxford University considerably reduce the financial pressures of having children. The convenience, value and quality of the University nursery attended by our 2-year-old son allowed a smooth return to work. My maternity leave with our second child, expected in December, will be free from financial worry thanks to the attractive maternity package.'

Childcare Officer Jenny Huxley said: 'The University provides quality childcare at competitive rates at its nurseries managed by Kidsunlimited. The Childcare Unit allocates available nursery spaces through a waiting list procedure, which allows for certain priority groups and has a good relationship with nursery managers in order to provide a supportive role.'