Written question asked by Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 23 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Monday, 2 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Parental Leave: Teachers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has considered the potential merits of providing enhanced Shared Parental Pay relief to schools funded from the public purse to cover the cost to schools when Shared Parental Leave is taken exclusively during term time and not during pre-defined public holidays.

Answer: The Government recognises the specific challenges Shared Parental Leave can present for schools. The application of Shared Parental Leave in schools is covered by the Burgundy Book, which is negotiated between employers and teachers’ organisations. The Government has no authority over the Burgundy Book. The Department is currently undertaking a review of the parental leave and pay system, including Shared Parental Leave, to explore how the system can work best for families and employers.

Secondary information