Extending maternity leave beyond a year

I don’t think you’re entitled to do it but you can use annual leave at the end if you have accrued it whilst off, and could look at your right to ask for unpaid parental leave, then see if they agree to it. I’m sure they’d understand why

You can request unpaid parental leave or annual leave but that's about it (other than anye extra unpaid leave they may grant you by their discretion), but legally Maternity leave entitlement is 52 weeks so you wouldn't be able to extend this further.

What is the funding from September based on? Her age or your return to work date? I went back to work one week earlier than originally planned so I hit the earlier cut off date for funding (I was eligible for January...if I'd have gone back a week later I'd have had to wait until April).

You can request additional unpaid parental leave or potentially use any annual leave you have but you cannot extend your maternity leave beyond 52 weeks, your leave type would need to change

Ahh that's quite a big difference then, I understand you not wanting to go back that early. Do you have any annual leave to use up? As Beth mentioned this is still classed as being back in employment.

If you haven’t worked in the last year, I would request your employer allows you take your holiday entitlement prior to April. Otherwise you’ll lose it.

It’s frustrating, but there’s not much an employer can do it the period exceeds 4 weeks. I would if you can, request a flexible working contract for the 5 months you need to wait. Only working 1 day. They expire 6 monthly so by October you’d have to return to your previous working patten