Support for student parents
University parental leave policy
To support students seeking to take parental leave,
the University’s Student
Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave Policy
(91kb)
provides details of the arrangements for
undergraduate, postgraduate taught, postgraduate
research and overseas students who are about to have
or adopt a child. The policy outlines how much leave
students are entitled to, access to University
facilities, graduate accommodation and childcare
services and the provision for a flexible return to
full-time study.
Postgraduate research students should particularly note the requirements for applying for maternity leave, including the forms required and timings for notifying their college, supervisor and Director of Graduate Study.
Postgraduate students currently suspended from study (prior to 17 June 2011) to take parental leave may not make retrospective requests for their leave to be recalculated under the new arrangements. If you have already taken the six terms of leave your board may allow and have taken parental leave you may apply via your college to the Education Committee for permission to suspend your studies for a further period.
Student Parent Guide
The Oxford University Student Union Student Parent Guide offers comprehensive information about childcare, accommodation, funding for student parents and their Tea & Toys fortnightly social meeting for all student parents and their children.
Childcare services
The University and the colleges can help students with childcare needs through a comprehensive range of childcare services to include nurseries, play-schemes and help with the cost of childcare. The Childcare Services website provides information to students about all aspects of childcare to enable parents to make informed decisions that best suits their needs.
The Children's Information Service provides free information for parents on childcare provision in Oxford including private nurseries, childminders, or schools and after-school childcare provision. The service can be contacted by email: enquiries@oxoncis.org.uk or telephone: 08452 262636.