Neonatal Care Leave and Pay policy template
Supporting information
A comprehensive policy offering Neonatal Care Leave and Pay for eligible employees when their baby needs extended hospital care after birth.
Neonatal Care Leave and Pay policy
1 Overview
1.1 This policy sets out the organisation’s approach to Neonatal Care Leave and Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP) introduced in April 2025.
1.2 It ensures employees whose babies require specialist hospital care after birth are treated with compassion and consistency, and are fully supported during what may be an emotional and challenging time.
1.3 It outlines statutory rights to leave and pay, sets out responsibilities for managers and employees, and provides clear processes to follow when Neonatal Care Leave is needed.
2 Scope
2.1 This policy applies to all eligible employees, regardless of role, location, or working pattern.
3 General Principles
3.1 Entitlements
3.1.1 Neonatal Care Leave
3.1.2 Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of Neonatal Care Leave, which must be used within 68 weeks of the child’s birth. Leave is split into two tiers:
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Tier 1: Leave can be taken while the baby is receiving neonatal care, or during the week following discharge. Weeks do not need to be taken consecutively.
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Tier 2: Leave can be taken at any time after the baby’s discharge, up to the 68-week limit. This must be taken in consecutive weeks.
Neonatal Care Leave can be taken in full weeks only and must not overlap with other forms
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What is this for?
This policy supports employees whose newborns require hospital care by outlining eligibility for up to 12 weeks’ Neonatal Care Leave and Pay.
It covers who qualifies, how leave is structured, how much pay is available, and what notice is required. The policy ensures fairness and compliance with legislation from April 2025.
By using this policy, employers can support parents with sensitivity and consistency at a critical time.
Documentation sequence
Neonatal Care Leave request acknowledgement letter template
A clear letter template for acknowledging employee requests for Neonatal Care Leave and outlining next steps, pay eligibility, and available support.
