Adoption Leave and Pay Policy Template for UK Businesses
An adoption leave policy sets out the rights and procedures for employees who are adopting a child, including leave entitlements, pay, and notification requirements. Adoption rights closely mirror maternity rights: eligible employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks of statutory adoption leave and up to 39 weeks of Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP). The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 also affect the partner of the primary adopter, who can take paternity leave under the updated rules.
Who Needs This Policy?
All UK employers must provide adoption leave to eligible employees. The right applies to employees who are newly matched with a child for adoption through a UK adoption agency, or who are adopting from overseas. Only one member of an adopting couple can take adoption leave — the other can take paternity leave and/or shared parental leave. Foster-to-adopt parents are also eligible. There is no employer size exemption.
What's Covered
This adoption leave and pay policy template covers 16 key sections:
Purpose
This policy sets out the rights and responsibilities of employees of [your details] who are adopting a child or becoming...
Scope
This policy applies to all employees of [your details] who are: - Matched with a child for adoption by a UK-approved ad...
Policy Statement
[your details] recognises that adopting a child is a life-changing event that requires time, support, and flexibility. W...
Eligibility for Adoption Leave
All employees are entitled to adoption leave from their first day of employment. There is no qualifying period of servic...
Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP)
Employees who meet the qualifying conditions are entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay for up to 39 weeks. To qualify for S...
Notification Requirements
The employee must notify [your details] of their intention to take adoption leave within 7 days of being notified by th...
When Adoption Leave Can Start
Adoption leave can begin: - On the date of the child's placement, or - On a fixed date no more than 14 days before the e...
Rights During Adoption Leave
During adoption leave, the employee's contract of employment continues and they are entitled to the benefit of all their...
Keeping in Touch (KIT) Days
Employees on adoption leave may work up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days without bringing their adoption leave to an en...
Time Off for Adoption Appointments
The primary adopter is entitled to paid time off to attend up to 5 adoption appointments arranged by the adoption agency...
Returning to Work
Employees must give [your details] at least 8 weeks' notice of their intended return date if they wish to return before ...
Disrupted Placement
If the child's placement does not go ahead, or if the child is returned to the adoption agency after placement, adoption...
Shared Parental Leave
Employees who qualify for adoption leave may choose to end their adoption leave early and opt into Shared Parental Leave...
Roles and Responsibilities
is responsible for: - Processing adoption leave and SAP applications promptly and correctly - Maintaining contact durin...
Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside the following policies: - Maternity Leave Policy - Paternity Leave Policy - Shared...
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to adoption leave legislation, statutory pay rates...
Legal Framework
This policy template is grounded in the following UK legislation and guidance:
- Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2788)
- Statutory Adoption Pay (General) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2822)
- Employment Rights Act 1996, ss.75A-75D
- Children and Families Act 2014
- Equality Act 2010
- Employment Rights Act 2025 (day-one leave from April 2026)
How Complaiance Helps
Our adoption leave and pay policy goes beyond a generic template:
- Complete timeline from matching notification through to return-to-work including the 7-day notice requirement
- SAP calculation with current rates and guidance on the matching week reference period
- Provisions for overseas adoptions with adjusted notification and evidence requirements
- KIT day provisions and integration with shared parental leave for adopting couples
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Get Started FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How long is adoption leave in the UK?
Statutory adoption leave is up to 52 weeks: 26 weeks of Ordinary Adoption Leave (OAL) followed by 26 weeks of Additional Adoption Leave (AAL). Leave can start up to 14 days before the expected placement date (for UK adoptions). One parent takes adoption leave; the other can take paternity leave and/or shared parental leave. The primary adopter must have 26 weeks' continuous service by the matching week.
How much is Statutory Adoption Pay?
SAP is paid for 39 weeks: the first 6 weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings, then weeks 7-39 at the lower of £184.03 per week or 90% of average earnings (2025/26 rate). The remaining 13 weeks are unpaid. To qualify, the employee must have 26 weeks' continuous service by the matching week and earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123 per week).
Are foster-to-adopt parents eligible for adoption leave?
Yes. Since 2014, employees who are matched with a child under a fostering-for-adoption arrangement are entitled to adoption leave and pay on the same basis as other adopters. The leave starts from the point the child is placed with the employee, and the employee must notify their employer of the placement within 7 days.