Student pregnancy support and information for students with caring responsibilities

Student pregnancy and support

Finding out that you are pregnant or may become a parent can be a stressful but also an exciting time.

The University recommends you seek sound medical advice as soon as you know you are (or your partner is) pregnant. We also recommend that you contact your personal tutor in the first instance.

You should contact Liz Carl (liz.carl@sheffield.ac.uk) who will work with you to put together a personalised Pregnancy and Maternity Support Plan and carry out a risk assessment.  This will consider your academic requirements and personal needs.  

If you do not want to speak to your academic department, you can contact Kathryn Axon in Central Welfare and Guidance (0114 222 1378, or k.axon@sheffield.ac.uk).

Further information can be found within our student pregnancy pages

Download Pregnancy and Maternity Support Plan template (PDF, 166kb)

We also recommend reading the University's Student Pregnancy and Maternity Policy, which details your rights and the support the University is required to offer you.

Download Student Pregnancy and Maternity Policy (PDF, 150kb)

As part of your support plan, your department will also assess any potential risks associated with your programme of study. This is important if your course involves exposure to any chemicals or radiation.

It's important that you meet regularly with your personal tutor or supervisor, as they can offer support and discuss any adjustments you may need.

Support for Students with Children

Students wtih children can find extensive advice, information and support relating to accommodation, childcare and university facilities on the university's dedicated Student hub pages

Students with Caring Responsbilities

You're classified as a student carer if you're looking after another person on an unpaid basis who otherwise couldn't manage on their own, due to various reasons including

• old age

• disability

• mental health problems

• chronic or terminal illness

• alcohol or drug addiction and dependency.

University support

If you're facing personal or emotional difficulty, our support services can provide you with the necessary support and advice.

Our Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service offers confidential one-to-one support and gives information and guidance on a range of issues.  You can access further information from our webpages

Alternatively, you can visit our Support Hub pages, which will signpost you to the most appropriate information and services.

To make sure you have access to all of the support available to you, notify us of your caring responsibilities via the 'financial support for carers' form.