Parenting Room & Support for Student Parents
Being a student and a parent is a big balancing act — and we’re here to make it easier.
Whether you’re expecting a child, already have children, are fostering, or going through fertility treatment, Queen Mary offers dedicated facilities, flexible study options, and practical support to help you thrive.
Parenting Room – Mile End & Other Campuses
Our Parenting Rooms are private, comfortable spaces for feeding, expressing milk, and tending to your child’s needs.
Mile End (main room)
- Location: TB.G.03, Ground Floor, Temporary Building (while the Queens’ Building is being refurbished)
- Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 8am–6pm
Facilities include:
Fridge, microwave, hot/cold water dispenser, sink, nursing chairs and tables, baby changing tables, privacy screens, frosted windows, hand towels, soap dispenser, nappy bags, bottle/food warmer.
Access:
For privacy, the room stays locked. Email studentlife@qmul.ac.uk with your name and student ID card number, and we’ll give you access.
Safety:
Use the phone in the room to call Security (extension 3333 from a campus phone or 020 7882 3333 from mobile) – available 24/7.
If the fire alarm goes off, evacuate the building using the fire exit immediately on the right in the corridor outside. Go to the fire assembly point at Library Square.
Charterhouse Square
The Nursing and Breastfeeding Room at Charterhouse Square is based within the Wolfson Institute of Population Health (WIPH), Room 36, Clinic Room 1. Please contact the WIPH Reception to arrange booking and access at WIPH-Admin@qmul.ac.uk.
Your Rights as a Student Parent
Pregnancy and maternity are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. This protection begins the moment you inform the University of your pregnancy, or, in the case of IVF, once a fertilised egg has been implanted. It continues for 26 weeks after childbirth. Beyond this period, if you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding, protection may fall under the characteristic of sex.
It's also important to note that partners of pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are protected from discrimination by association.
We strongly encourage you to disclose your pregnancy at the earliest opportunity. This allows us to put the appropriate support in place promptly (e.g. pregnancy risk assessments).
Read the full guidance on pregnancy and parenthood at QMUL [PDF 141KB]
Leave & Flexible Study Options
We offer a range of support and flexible provisions to accommodate your needs as a student parent.
|
Type of Leave |
Entitlement |
|
Maternity Leave |
Up to 52 weeks (minimum 2 weeks after birth is compulsory) taken as an interruption of study. Maternity leave is generally unpaid unless you are entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay or an NHS bursary. Medical students may be entitled to a maternity/adoption award for up to 12 months. International students should seek early advice from the Advice and Counselling Service regarding immigration implications. |
|
Primary Carer Leave |
Up to one year per child. It covers pregnancy, related illnesses, and/or caring responsibilities. This period does not count towards the standard maximum of two years permitted for interruption. |
|
Paternity / Partner’s Leave |
2 weeks within 52 weeks of birth or adoption placement, taken as an interruption of study. This leave must be agreed in advance with your School or Institute. |
|
Adoption / Fostering / Surrogacy |
Same as maternity leave for primary carers; paternity leave rules for secondary carers; authorised absence for pre-adoption or surrogacy appointments, or to help a foster child settle |
Support through difficult times
We’re here if things don’t go as planned.
Support is available for miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or pregnancy termination — for both parents.
Our Advice and Counselling Service offers confidential, non-judgemental support, and we can arrange academic adjustments if needed (e.g. utilise the Extenuating Circumstances and Fit to Sit policies).
Returning to Study
We aim to make your transition back to studies as smooth as possible.
It can be helpful to stay in touch with a supportive role within your School or Institute, such as a Student Support Officer, to discuss concerns about balancing study and childcare.
All new student parents will have a "welcome back" meeting with relevant academic staff upon their return to the university.
Support Services
- Advice and Counselling Service: student funding, visas, wellbeing advice
- Student Support Officers & Academic Advisors: Academic planning and signposting to support services. To contact your Student Support Officer, go to AskQM and choose Programme and Module Support/ Student Welfare and Pastoral Support.
- External Resources:
Maternity Action is a charity for protecting and empowering pregnant women's rights.
Pregnancy Sickness Support is charity for women suffering from Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and the severe form of the condition Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
Childcare Choices helps parents in England check eligibility and apply for government childcare support schemes like Tax-Free Childcare and funded hours
Gingerbread helps single-parent families in England and Wales with expert advice, peer support, and advocacy to address inequalities and make life more manageable.