The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has instructed schools to allow a TSC lactating mothers 2-hour break each school day for teachers returning from maternity leave. The permission is a formal provision aimed at helping new mothers attend to their infants while ensuring continued classroom delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Two-hour daily permission is granted for a period of two months immediately after resumption from maternity leave.
- The arrangement is anchored in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (2025–2029) and the Code of Regulations for Teachers (2015).
- Teachers must request the break in writing and obtain formal approval from the Head of Institution (HOI).
- Heads who need to grant such permission must seek approval from the Sub-County Director.
- The timing of the break can be adjusted in consultation with the HOI to avoid major disruption to lessons.
TSC lactating mothers 2-hour break: What teachers need to know
The Commission issued Circular No:13/2025 (Our Ref: TSC/ADM/192A/VOL.X/57) confirming that lactating mother teachers are eligible for a two-hour break daily for two months after they return from maternity leave. This decision supports the health and wellbeing of new mothers while maintaining teaching standards.
Who is eligible and how long the break lasts
The provision applies to teachers who have just completed maternity leave and have resumed duty. The two-hour permission starts from the date of resumption and is available for a maximum of two months. Teachers remain expected to meet their professional duties during this period.
How to apply and the approval process
To use the permission a teacher must:
- Submit a written request to the Head of Institution.
- Receive formal written approval from the Head of Institution.
- If a Head of Institution requires permission on the teacher’s behalf, the Head must apply to the Sub-County Director for approval.
These steps ensure the arrangement is documented and managed without unintended disruption.
Balancing the break with teaching duties
The circular explicitly allows flexibility in timing. The timing of the daily two-hour break can be adjusted after consultation with the HOI so curriculum delivery is not affected. Practical options include:
- Splitting duties with another teacher during the break period.
- Rescheduling non-examination lessons to times that do not conflict with the break.
- Using prepared lesson notes and lesson plans to keep learners on track.
For help with lesson planning and maintaining learning continuity, teachers can use available CBC resources such as CBC lesson plans and relevant schemes of work like the Grade 6 schemes of work or the PP2 schemes of work.
Responsibilities and accountability
While the break is a supportive measure, the Commission stresses responsibility. Teachers must ensure that:
- Their written permission request is clear and submitted on time.
- They coordinate with the HOI on the agreed daily break schedule.
- They make reasonable arrangements to cover classes or adapt lessons.
Heads of Institutions are accountable for approving requests and must follow the required channels if they need to seek higher approval.
Why this matters for schools and learners
Allowing lactating mothers a two-hour break supports maternal and child health, reduces stress for returning teachers, and helps retain qualified educators. When planned well, the arrangement has minimal impact on learner outcomes and can be integrated into normal school routines.
Quick summary of the circular
- Circular No:13/2025 grants two hours daily permission for lactating mothers for two months post-resumption.
- Permission must be requested in writing and approved by the HOI.
- HOIs who need to grant permission must apply to the Sub-County Director.
- Timing can be adjusted to ensure minimal disruption to curriculum delivery.
If you are a teacher planning your return from maternity leave, follow the written application steps above and coordinate with your Head of Institution early. Use available planning resources to protect learning time while you attend to your newborn.
