Maternity leave for teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs)
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 4 December 2019
- Last updated on: 3 April 2025
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is a statutory leave of absence from employment for teachers and special needs assistants.
Teachers
For further information, please refer to the Maternity Leave Scheme (PDF, from page 45) contained in Item was unpublished or removed titled ”Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools”.
Due to legislative changes, employers are advised of an amendment to the Maternity Leave Scheme. Please refer to Information Note TC/IN 0010/2024
In relation to breastfeeding breaks for teachers, please refer to Circular 0052/2023 titled “Breastfeeding Breaks for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools”.
Please refer to Information Note TC/IN 0001/2025 in relation to Postponement of Maternity Leave due to Serious Health Condition.
SNAs
For further information on Maternity Protection Entitlements for SNA’s please refer to Circular 0017/2013 titled ‘Maternity Protection Entitlements for Special Needs Assistants’.
Due to legislative changes, employers are advised of an amendment to Circular 0017/2013 titled ‘Maternity Protection Entitlements for Special Needs Assistants'. Please refer to Information Note TC/IN 0011/2024.
In relation to breastfeeding breaks for SNAs, please refer to Circular 0053/2023 titled “Breastfeeding Breaks for Special Needs Assistants employed In Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools”.
Please refer to Information Note TC/IN 0002/2025 in relation to Postponement of Maternity Leave due to Serious Health Condition.
How to apply for Maternity Leave
Teachers
A teacher must complete the Application Form on page 57 of Circular 0054/2019 and submit it to their employer at least 6 weeks prior to the planned commencement date.
SNAs
Special needs assistants must complete the application form on page 11 of Circular 0017/2013and return it to their employer at least six weeks in advance of commencement of the leave.
Contact
Teacher and SNAs: Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section
- Address:
- Teacher/SNA Terms & Conditions, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 X659
- Email:
- Telephone:
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(090) 648 3734
- Summary:
- Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are encouraged to submit queries regarding SNA Leave Schemes to their employers in the first instance. All employers have access to applicable Circulars relating to SNA Leave Schemes. Queries relating to statutory and non-statutory SNAs Leave Schemes can be submitted to Leave Admin Section, Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section at the email address above. Recruitment and Appointment Unit in Teacher/SNA Terms and Conditions Section sets out the recruitment and appointment procedures for SNAs for the primary and post primary sector. Queries should be submitted to PORqueries@education.gov.ie