Schools across England are increasing maternity pay and offering more flexible working arrangements to retain female teachers in their 30s.

Despite plans to recruit 6,500 new teachers, over 9,000 women aged 30-39 left state education last year.

Standard maternity packages and heavy workloads lead many women to find teaching incompatible with motherhood.

The Education Alliance, running 10 schools in Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire, now offers 18 weeks of full maternity pay from day one.

Jonny Uttley, CEO of the trust, emphasizes the importance of not having to choose between being a good teacher and parent.

Flexible working is encouraged, and policies allow participation in children's events.

Other trusts such as PolyMAT, Charter Schools Education Trust, and Dixons have also improved maternity benefits.

Campaigners, like Emma Sheppard from the Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project, warn that neglecting retention undermines efforts to bolster new teacher numbers.

The Department for Education stresses the necessity of having experienced teachers in classrooms to enhance student outcomes.