I’m a primary school teacher and have been off work since 1st September 2021. I had a lumpectomy in August during the long school holidays then began chemo on 1st October. OH advised me (& my headteacher) in September, that I needed to stay off work because of my ongoing treatment and the Covid risk.
I finished chemo on 9th Feb and have just finished radiotherapy. I’ve now spoken to OH again and they have advised me to have a 6-8 week phased return to work starting the first week of April. I’m impressed and surprised at this length of time. The OH medic said that my school should see the length of time as an investment in me and that a steady, well managed return will enable me to get back into the workplace safely and will hopefully mean I won’t go off sick.
Im meeting with my headteacher on Friday to discuss this further and come up with a plan. I’m quite glad that it’s quite a lengthy return as I was worried about fatigue and also my lack of confidence. It’s strange not being at work for 7 months, it will take some getting used to.
Just thought I’d share my experience for any other teachers out there. I’ll update how I get on once I’m back at work.