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I was a teacher - head teacher in a nursery school - key members of staff knew but most staff didn’t hear till the last moment and I never officially announced it to the parents. I felt bad about that and in retrospect would’ve written a more personal letter to send out when I went. To be honest I wouldn’t say anything till you’ve been to panel and dates for introductions have been agreed. Of course the school will need to make provisional arrangements but parents won’t need to know until it’s certain - otherwise it just creates anxiety. Are you planning to go back? Have you been in the job long? How well do you know the families? All that will impact on what you decide should be said in the letter. But I do feel you shouldn’t say anything till arrangements are definite and ideally you can name your replacement. Good luck at panel and with intros - such an exciting time!

I was teaching when I adopted the first time round and waited until after panel when we had dates set up, to announce to parents. I did announce that I was going on adoption leave and parents and staff were lovely. Staff knew well before the panel date, but we were a very small school and very close staff. My panel was easier to manage this though, as I had December panel and so introductions weren’t until after Christmas, so had a month to do it all in.

Thank you both for your posts, very helpful. Given the timelines and the fact that the school has found a replacement who will be starting 2 days before our panel date, we have decided to send a first letter mentioning "leave for family reasons" with a positive turn and that it is yet to be confirmed. There will be then a further communication with more details about timelines and the adoption or new addition to our family. Not perfect, but that's the best compromise we could find.

Thanks again!