Questions & Answers for Young People

We hope the information here is of use to young people.

I'm pregnant and in year 11.  Do I have to come to you?

No.  Students are here because they have made a decision that they will find it better to continue their education with us than remain in their school. You do however have to remain in education, the same as everyone else, until the end of June.

Do I have to come to school every day?

Yes, unless there are special circumstances.  The day starts at 9am and you get to go home at 3pm.

What if I haven't been to school much in the last few months?

You may find that being pregnant helps you focus and become determined to do well in your education. Some students find being in a smaller group enables them to gain confidence and become more successful in their education.

What lessons do you have?  Can I carry on with subjects I really enjoy at school?

As well as the usual subjects - English, Maths, and Science you can study Child Development, ICT, Art and Design, PE, PSHE and Citizenship and get help with parenting skills. We also work on fitness and healthy eating. If you have been taking a subject at school that we don't offer, like Geography for instance, then we will do all we can to work with your school to help you continue.  It may also be possible for you to attend classes at Sir John Hunt Community Sports College.

How do I get to you? I don't live anywhere near Whitleigh

Until you are 28 weeks pregnant you travel to us by public transport and we provide a bus pass. After 28 weeks and when your baby is born we provide a taxi to bring you to school.

Do I have to wear a uniform?

No, but the dress code is CLEAN, COVERED and COMFORTABLE and you need to wear shoes or trainers.

Do I have to do exams?

All students are given the chance to do GCSE exams or other qualifications relevant to their ability.

How long can I attend for?

You are expected to attend until the school leaving date in year 11 - the end of June.  However, if you join us before year 11 you may decide that you would like to go back to your school after you have had your baby.  

Do I have any time off before I have the baby?  What happens after that?

You can attend right up to the time your baby is due as long as you are feeling good and the midwife is happy for you to do that.  Some people find that they get extra tired just before their baby is due and need to take more rest.  Everyone is an individual, and there is no hard and fast rule.

After you have had the baby you get six weeks maternity leave.  After that you can bring your baby with you to school where it will be looked after by our nursery nurses in the crèche just around the corner from the classroom. The nursery place is funded by the “Care to Learn Team” scheme.

Will I learn about looking after a baby and how to be a good parent?

Yes - there are parenting lessons, and you will also have a chance for some one to one support from our nursery nurses.

I am not with the father of my baby - what will the other girls think?

Everyone is different, and not everyone is with the father of their baby.  We don't think its right to judge other people - we just try to treat other people the way that we would like to be treated ourselves.

Can my partner visit the Centre?

Yes, but they are expected to make an appointment, and not just drop in.  If they would like to attend parenting sessions or work with our Connexions Adviser they are very welcome.

I have had trouble at school with people calling me names.  I'm frightened that the other girls won't like me.

Everyone is an individual.  Although you may not become best friends with all the girls, everyone here tries hard to make new students feel welcome and able to settle in quickly.

Do you do anything outside school?

There isn't a lot going on after school, because everyone lives all over the city but we would be happy to organise activities if the students wanted.

I feel sick all the time.  What happens if I feel ill or tired at school?

There is a medical room if you are feeling sick or ill, or a nice room, called the Study, where you can have a quiet sit or lie down.  Someone will always keep an eye on you.

I am really scared about everything.  Will there be anyone I can talk to?

Being scared is quite natural when you are into whole new experiences.  It helps when you are with other people in the same situation.  There are lots of people you can talk to at the Centre, including a Counsellor, Connexions Personal Adviser and the Midwife. The staff are always willing to help with any problems you have.

What happens if I decide that I don't want to keep my baby?

Everyone has mixed emotions during pregnancy and after giving birth.  Your midwife will give you lots of support and help to make sure that you have help in making the decision that is right for you and your baby.

The baby's dad is really worried about what will happen to him.  Where can he get help and advice?

He can contact us and we will offer whatever support we can. We can also signpost him to other support agencies.

My parents are angry and upset.  They say they will chuck me out if I keep the baby.  Can you help me?

Sounds as though you need some help to resolve these difficulties.  You can ring Social Care (01752 308600) and ask for a social worker to visit and help get you all to sit down and talk through the situation calmly and find a solution, OR, you can talk to us in school and we will see what we can do.

I am only 13.  Am I too young to attend the Centre for Young Parents?  I am not sure I would fit in with the older girls.

You certainly could attend the Centre for Young Parents, and you would find the support very helpful.  Many of our students come to us before Year 11.  You might decide to go back to your school after you have had the baby, although you could stay on with us if you wished.  All the girls support each other, and being younger shouldn't be a problem.

I am worried how I will provide for my baby.  Where can I get help with advice on how to claim money I am entitled to?

The Connexions Adviser has lots of information on benefits.  She will visit you at the Centre to give advice.

I'd like to come and look around the Centre before deciding if I want to go there…will I be asked any questions I don't want to answer, for example, about the baby's dad?

Visits are encouraged, and you can go away and think about whether you want to ask for a place.  You don't have to decide on the day.

You won't be asked anything awkward or embarrassing and questions about the baby's father are left up to you to disclose or not, as you choose.

What happens I go into labour when I'm at school?

We would try to contact our designated midwife and your parents/carers. If that was not possible we would contact the Day Assessment Ward at Derriford. We would accompany you and wait with you until a parent/carer arrived.

What happens if my baby is ill?

We would expect you to arrange for somebody to look after him/her or to stay at home and look after him/her yourself. We provide work for you to complete at home.

Are we allowed mobile phones in the Centre?

You can bring your mobile phone to school but they are not allowed in class or the nursery. An emergency mobile number 07599086041 is available at all times.