Aimed at leaders in education in any phase, this online session will look at the reality of the impact of parenthood on the careers of female educators and how to support and empower women to make the right choice for their lives. It will be highly relevant for schools and colleges looking at ways to support and retain staff.

This webinar will showcase the current research into the motherhood penalty in education and the impact this has on schools and colleges. In an industry dominated by women, half of whom are parents and a fifth of whom are women aged 30-39, understanding the barriers faced by mothers can help leaders to address the gender pay gap, increase teacher retention, and work towards greater gender equality and representation at every level in education. Delegates will look at how the motherhood penalty negatively impacts more than just the working parents in teams, but also the quality of teaching and learning offered to students, and the support provided to early career teachers.

Delegates will also hear about practical strategies that school and college leaders can implement to address the motherhood penalty as part of a wider approach to the school or college’s focus, be that recruitment and retention, quality of teaching and learning, staff wellbeing, or inclusion and diversity.

Participants will:
• explore the research carried out on the impact of parenthood on the careers of women in education and identify the causes of the ‘motherhood penalty’
• outline the impact of the motherhood penalty on wider issues relevant to education leadership
• be provided with concrete strategies to implement in the school or college as part of an immediate response or a longer term school, college or trust improvement plan.

There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas with other attendees.