So I’m a teacher and my head has been on dodgy ground. Firstly I was asked to delay my pregnancy announcement to my friends and family on FB because other members of staff might see it. Then It was “suggested” I wear loosely fitted clothing to hide my bump (it’s my second child so I started showing early). I have been asked to ensure all my targets are met before I go off (actually not a problem) and then I was told I wouldn’t receive a performance management (despite all my targets being met). Then I was told that it was in the best interest of the school of my maternity leave started before the last half term holiday, effectively sending me off 4 weeks early. Naturally I refused and have submitted in writing that I will be going off when I see fit as my per my rights. This head has said working mums don’t have time for kids in numerous meetings, when I have refused to work late for childcare reason, I’ve been told “maybe you need to go part time.” And she has been heard saying “well you can’t be a mum and a teacher.” The kicker? My head is a woman and a mother with a daughter my age.

If she was a man I’d have had the union in for discrimination and sexism but what am I supposed to do?