Petition · Department for Education

Require schools to accept part-time working requests for people with children

Open for signatures 19 signatures

What the petition asks

I would like the Government to legislate so all schools must accept part-time working requests from people who have had children and want to return to work by doing part-time working hours.
I feel it is unfair that some schools allow these requests, while others refuse and may not provide a full explanation. I believe mothers should be able to put their own family at the forefront of their lives, whilst giving so much of themselves to other people’s children. Many schools do not allow part-time, and I believe it is unfair because many other schools do, despite them having the same job. I feel this is a huge part of the crisis in the retention of teachers.

Timeline

13 Mar 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 19
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Education
Opened 13 Mar 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.