The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) now allows lactating teachers a two-hour daily permission to breastfeed during the first two months after returning from maternity leave. This TSC breastfeeding break is part of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement and aims to protect maternal health while keeping classroom learning on track.
Key Takeaways
- TSC breastfeeding break: two hours daily for lactating teachers for two months after resumption.
- Maternity leave increased to 120 days; paternity leave to 21 days.
- Teachers must apply in writing and get approval from the Head of Institution; heads who are lactating apply to Sub-County Directors.
- Timing is flexible and should be arranged with school management to minimise disruption to lessons.
TSC breastfeeding break: What you need to know
The new policy grants a daily two-hour breastfeeding permission for teachers who are breastfeeding. It applies for a period of two months immediately after a teacher resumes duty following maternity leave. The measure is intended to make the return to work healthier and more sustainable for new mothers in the teaching service.
Background and context
This provision is a direct result of the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between TSC and teachers’ unions. The same agreement also extended maternity leave from 90 to 120 days and increased paternity leave from 14 to 21 days. Together, these changes strengthen teacher welfare and support family responsibilities.
Official implementation guidelines
The TSC circular setting out the rule requires a written request for the two-hour permission. The request must be approved and recorded by the Head of Institution (HOI). For HOIs who are themselves lactating mothers, approval should be sought from the Sub-County Director.
The policy allows flexibility in scheduling. Teachers and school management should agree on specific times for the break so that teaching and supervision are not compromised. Schools are asked to cooperate to ensure minimal disruption to the curriculum.
Benefits for teachers and learners
- For teachers: better maternal and mental health, reduced stress, and greater ability to continue exclusive breastfeeding if desired.
- For learners: consistent teacher retention and improved morale among staff, which supports a stable learning environment.
- For schools: clearer rules that help managers plan timetables and supervision while supporting staff welfare.
How to apply and practical steps
Teachers who wish to use the TSC breastfeeding break should:
- Prepare a short written request stating the need for the two-hour daily permission.
- Submit the request to the Head of Institution for formal approval and filing.
- If the HOI is the applicant, submit the request to the Sub-County Director.
- Agree with school management on the daily timing to avoid clashing with core teaching duties or examinations.
Tips for schools to manage class coverage
School leaders can keep disruption low by using simple measures:
- Plan the teacher’s break during non-critical periods like break times or lesson changeovers.
- Use available staff for short supervision swaps or combine with duty rosters.
- Keep lesson plans and notes accessible so a substitute can step in quickly; many teachers use CBC lesson plans and JSS teaching notes to maintain continuity.
Resources and curriculum continuity
To ensure lessons continue smoothly when a teacher takes the breastfeeding break, schools should rely on prepared materials and shared resources. Useful curriculum tools include CBC curriculum designs and downloadable schemes of work. These resources help substitute teachers or colleagues deliver planned activities without a sudden drop in learning quality.
What this means for teacher welfare and policy
The TSC breastfeeding break sets a practical standard for supporting working mothers in public service. It recognises the physical demands of breastfeeding and the need for structured workplace support. By embedding this permission in operational guidelines, the Commission makes it easier for schools to plan and for mothers to continue breastfeeding while working.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the permission valid? Two hours per day for two months after resuming duty.
- Who approves the request? The Head of Institution approves routine requests; Sub-County Directors approve requests from Heads of Institution who are the applicants.
- Will lessons be affected? The policy encourages flexible scheduling and collaboration to minimise disruption.
