Compassionate Leave
The following information is taken from the Leave of Absence (Special Leave) Policy, which you will also find on this page. Compassionate leave is for circumstances not covered by family and parental bereavement leave.
Examples of when compassionate leave might be appropriate include:
- The death of someone who is not the employee’s partner or close relative but with whom the employee has had a close relationship;
- When the employee or employee’s partner has had a miscarriage within the first 24 weeks of the pregnancy;
- In complex domestic situations where a short period of time off work may help the employee to cope with the situation, for example the break-up of a long-term personal relationship or
- When an employee is experiencing domestic abuse or;
- When an employee’s partner or close family member has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or has been in a life-threatening accident.
Where a complex domestic situation has affected the employee’s health and rendered them unfit for work, then any absence will be regarded as sickness absence and the Sickness Absence Policy will apply.
The Headteacher or line manager may grant compassionate leave. Their decision is likely to consider the reason for the request; the likely duration and any cover arrangements that might need to be made.
Up to 10 days paid compassionate leave in any 12-month period (academic year) may be granted, to help employees where they need to deal with necessary arrangements or assist a close relative who is seriously or critically ill. This does not apply in the case of domestic emergencies, or where normal caring arrangements have been disrupted. We will consider compassionate leave for other traumatic events or difficult personal circumstances on an individual case by case basis.