30,000 maternity leaves per year for teachers

Nader Al-Shihry TABUK — The Ministry of Education reported there are 30,000 maternity and childbirth leaves granted in a year. A source said the ministry is looking into facilitating childcare for teachers, who are mothers. “The ministry is looking into providing nurseries in girls’ schools to lessen the need for teachers, who are mothers, to take maternity leaves. Teachers with newborns can leave their newborns at the nursery while still tending to their work. They are not obliged to take any leave,” said the source. The source said the ministry cannot prevent teachers from taking their maternity leaves as it is their right. “The ministry is trying to provide all of the facilities mothers with newborns need in order for them to attend their work without worrying about their newborns. The high number of maternity leaves per year is affecting the academic calendar,” said the source. Ministry of Education Educational Supervisor Nihayah Al-Khanin said there are unlicensed and private nurseries open near some schools to provide service for teachers with newborns. “The ministry has opened its doors for these private businesses to apply to be licensed through the ministry’s website. The ministry must inspect the nursery and ensure that it is following the safety and health regulations as set by the Civil Defense and the municipalities,” said Al-Khanin. She added there is a lack of university degree graduates of childcare and early learning. “The ministry is accepting applicants with a diploma in childcare and early learning. The ministry plans to open 1,500 nurseries in public schools. A total of 300 nurseries will open each year starting next year. This will lead to a 100 percent increase in the number of nurseries over the next five years,” said Al-Khanin. She added there are currently 1,591 nurseries in public schools with the capacity for 123,313 newborns and infants. The ministry’s plan will increase the capacity to 273,313 newborns and infants.