Pregnancy and parenthood statement
The University of Salford Pregnancy and Parenthood policy explains how the University supports students who are pregnant or becoming parents. It encourages early notification so support and any reasonable adjustments can be agreed, sets out how information is handled, and signposts where to get help and the forms used to record a pregnancy notification.
The University of Salford is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for students who are pregnant, have given birth, are becoming parents (including through adoption, guardianship or other means), or whose partner is pregnant. If you are pregnant or becoming a parent while studying, it is important to tell the University as early as you can. This helps us to put support in place promptly, meet our duty of care, and (where relevant) plan for any health and safety considerations, placements, fieldwork or assessments.
What you can expect
- We will listen to your circumstances and agree a tailored support plan, including reasonable adjustments where appropriate, so you can continue your studies safely and participate fully in university life.
- Fair and inclusive treatment: We will not treat students unfavourably because of pregnancy, maternity, miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or because of a partner’s pregnancy or parenthood.
- Confidentiality: We will handle personal information sensitively and only share it with staff who need it to provide support, unless there is a serious safeguarding or legal reason to share information.
- Health and safety: Where relevant, we will support risk assessment and practical planning for your studies (including labs, placements, fieldwork and campus activity) to help keep you and your baby safe.
- How to access help: Tell your School (for example your Programme Leader or Student Progression Adviser (SPA) team) or contact Student Support. We will explain your options, help you access specialist support where needed, and discuss any time away from study and return-to-study arrangements.
Further information is available in the Student Pregnancy and Parenthood Policy and Procedure. If you are unsure who to tell, contact your School SPA team or Student Support and they will help you access the right advice.
Contact us
If you are pregnant, becoming a parent, or supporting someone who is, you can contact your School (your Programme Leader or Student Progression Adviser (SPA) team) or speak to Student Support via askUS. The university can be notified by either students or staff via the following forms:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who is this policy for?
All University of Salford students who are pregnant, have given birth, are becoming parents (including adoption/guardianship), whose partner is pregnant/has given birth, or who are undergoing fertility treatment.
Why is it important to tell the University as early as possible?
It means we can agree support and any reasonable adjustments quickly, and plan for health and safety where relevant (for example labs, placements or fieldwork).
Will my information be kept confidential?
We will treat your information sensitively and only share it with staff who need it to support you, unless there is a safeguarding, serious health and safety, or legal reason to share information.
What support can I expect from the University?
We will work with you to agree a tailored support plan, which may include reasonable adjustments and signposting to specialist support. Your School (Programme Leader/SPA team) usually coordinates this, with Student Support as needed.
What if I am on placement, work-based learning or fieldwork?
Please tell your School as early as possible so planning can start; if you are on placement, you should also tell your placement provider (they complete the placement risk assessment).
Can I take time away from my studies?
Yes depending on your situation, we can discuss exceptional circumstances and/or an interruption of studies. Interruptions can be supported for up to 52 weeks (and in exceptional cases, up to 24 months).
What happens with assessments and pregnancy-related exceptional circumstances?
If you have already informed the University, we will not usually ask for extra proof for pregnancy-related sickness when considering exceptional circumstances. We may request evidence in limited situations (for example multiple issues or a non-pregnancy-related illness beyond self-certification).
What if I am a partner, adopting, or undergoing fertility treatment?
This policy includes partners, adoption and fertility treatment, and support will be tailored to your circumstances. Speak to your Programme Leader/SPA team and/or Student Support to agree what help you need.
Are there facilities for breastfeeding/chestfeeding or expressing milk on campus?
Yes — your School SPA team can arrange access to a suitable room via Estates and Facilities (please allow five working days’ notice). Babies may be brought onto campus for breastfeeding/chestfeeding, but not into lectures or teaching sessions.
How do I tell the University, and which form should I use?
Tell your Programme Leader or your School SPA team. To record the notification, complete either the student form or the School form above (you only need to complete one).
Where can I get help or advice?
Contact your Programme Leader or School SPA team, or speak to Student Support via askUS.