PPA Cover
Contact UsAt PPA Cover, we specialise in delivering qualified, engaging educators who step in seamlessly, so learning never misses a beat.
Every teacher needs protected time for planning and assessment, schools require dependable cover that keeps pupils engaged and on track.
Since inconsistent or unqualified cover can disrupt learning, we only supply professionals who are experienced, DBS-checked, and ready to teach.
Get in touch to learn more about continuity, flexibility, and peace of mind for school leaders.
What is PPA Cover in Schools?
PPA cover in schools refers to the arrangements made to supervise classes while teachers take their statutory Planning, Preparation, and Assessment (PPA) time.
This time is legally mandated to ensure teachers can plan lessons, prepare resources, and assess pupil progress during the school day, without doing so entirely outside of working hours.
Teachers are entitled to a minimum of 10% of their timetabled teaching time for PPA, and it must be provided in blocks of at least 30 minutes.
The goal of PPA cover is to maintain lesson continuity and quality while allowing teachers the time needed to effectively manage their teaching workload.
How much does PPA Cover Cost?
The average cost of PPA cover is £150 - £250 per day.
The cost of PPA cover depends on the subject area, provider qualifications, and whether cover is half-day or full-day because pricing reflects the level of specialisation, planning time, and consistency offered.
Enrichment providers offering subjects like PE, music, and languages may offer package pricing per term.
Schools often work within tight budgets, most providers offer tailored packages based on school size and number of classes.
What Types of Lessons are Suitable for PPA Cover?
PPA cover is ideal for a wide range of curriculum and enrichment lessons that maintain pupil engagement during teacher planning time. Suitable lesson types include:
PE & Sport – Physical education, games, fitness, and sports coaching
Music – Instrumental tuition, singing, and creative composition
Art & Design – Drawing, painting, crafts, and design-based projects
Drama & Performing Arts – Role play, performance, and stage skills
STEM Workshops – Hands-on science, coding, robotics, and engineering
Languages – Modern foreign language (MFL) teaching and cultural sessions
Wellbeing & PSHE – Mindfulness, personal development, and mental health
Outdoor Learning – Forest school, nature-based learning, and team-building
All lessons are delivered by qualified specialists and aligned with national curriculum goals, ensuring high-quality learning while covering statutory PPA time.
What are the Benefits of Professional PPA Cover Services?
The main benefit of using professional PPA cover is that it ensures reliable, high-quality teaching continues in the classroom while teachers focus on planning and assessment. Benefits of PPA cover services include:
Specialist subject delivery that enhances the school’s curriculum
Consistent weekly cover that supports pupil progress and routine
Reduced workload and improved well-being for teaching staff
Alignment with Ofsted expectations for structured learning during cover
Access to qualified educators or specialists in PE, music, computing, and more
Flexibility to scale cover across year groups or the full school
Who can Deliver PPA Cover?
PPA cover can be delivered by qualified teachers, higher-level teaching assistants (HLTAs), or external education specialists depending on the school’s structure and the nature of the lessons.
External PPA providers are often used for non-core subjects such as PE, music, languages, computing, and art because they bring subject-specific expertise.
Consistency is critical, schools often seek reliable partners who can offer regular cover with minimal disruption.
Is PPA Cover Statutory?
PPA time is a statutory entitlement for all full-time teachers in maintained schools in England and Wales because it is protected by national education regulations.
Schools are required to provide a minimum of 10% of a teacher’s weekly teaching timetable as non-contact time.
Since this time is non-negotiable, cover arrangements must be dependable and properly planned.
How Often is PPA Cover Required?
PPA cover is typically scheduled once or twice per week depending on the school’s timetable and teacher workload because the statutory 10% must be met across the working week.
For part-time teachers, the entitlement is calculated proportionally.
Since planning, preparation, and assessment are ongoing, regular weekly cover ensures teachers can manage responsibilities without interruption to the class.
Can PPA Cover be Customised to the School Curriculum?
PPA cover can and should be customised to fit the school’s curriculum and learning goals because alignment with broader teaching plans supports consistency in learning outcomes.
External PPA providers often work with school leadership to ensure content fits schemes of work and contributes to whole-school objectives.
Long-term partnerships are based on value and impact, flexibility and curriculum integration are key priorities.
Can One Provider Deliver PPA Cover Across Multiple Year Groups?
A single provider can deliver PPA cover across multiple year groups because experienced education specialists are trained to adapt content to suit different ages and ability levels.
This is especially effective in primary schools where one provider may deliver PE, computing, or music to Years 1 through 6.
As consistency and familiarity are important in pupil engagement, multi-year cover ensures continuity across the school.
Is Long-Term PPA Cover Available?
Long-term PPA cover is commonly offered because schools need stability and reliability over an academic year or full term. Providers offer fixed scheduling, consistent staffing, and fully planned lesson content for long-term arrangements.
Since relationships with pupils and staff strengthen over time, long-term cover supports better classroom management and improved learning outcomes.
Can PPA Cover Include Assessment and Reporting?
Many professional PPA cover services include basic assessment and progress reporting because tracking pupil development is essential for curriculum alignment.
PPA Cover may include informal skill tracking, written feedback, or termly reports in subjects like PE or computing.
Schools are accountable for progress across all curriculum areas, this data supports whole-school planning and evaluation.
Do PPA Cover Staff Need to be Qualified Teachers?
Not all PPA cover staff need to be qualified teachers, but they must be appropriately trained and experienced in the subjects they deliver.
Many cover sessions are led by qualified teachers, HLTAs, or subject specialists with DBS clearance and safeguarding training.
The quality of delivery matters more than qualification titles alone, providers ensure staff are matched to school needs.
Is Cover Available for Half Days or Part-Time Teachers?
PPA cover can be scheduled for half days, single lessons, or specific sessions each week because schools have varying timetables and staffing structures.
Our PPA providers offer flexible cover solutions for part-time teachers, split timetables, or job-share roles.
Since each school has unique scheduling needs, cover plans are adapted accordingly.
Can Schools Choose the Subjects Delivered During PPA Cover?
Schools choose the subjects delivered during PPA cover because the sessions should complement the curriculum and support learning targets.
Popular subjects include PE, music, MFL, art, computing, PSHE, and drama.
Enrichment and skill-building are key elements of modern education, these subjects enhance pupil development while providing valuable release time for teachers.
Is PPA Cover Available for SEN and Inclusive Settings?
PPA cover can be delivered in special educational needs (SEN) and inclusive settings because experienced providers offer adapted content and flexible delivery styles.
Lessons are tailored to the ability and needs of each group, often with visual aids, multi-sensory resources, and inclusive teaching strategies.
Since engagement and accessibility are critical, staff receive appropriate SEN training and work closely with school teams.
Can PPA Cover be Used to Deliver Enrichment Activities?
Many schools use PPA cover to deliver enrichment activities because it enhances the curriculum without additional timetable pressure.
Enrichment-focused sessions such as outdoor learning, STEM workshops, mindfulness, or enterprise programmes can be integrated into PPA time.
Since enrichment improves engagement and supports wider development, it's a valuable use of cover time.
What Happens if a PPA Cover Provider is Absent?
Reputable PPA cover providers have contingency plans in place because consistency is essential. In the event of illness or unavailability, a replacement staff member is arranged to ensure continuity.
Since schools rely on dependable support, agencies and providers maintain a pool of trained professionals to manage absences with minimal disruption.
Can PPA Cover be Integrated with After-School or Holiday Clubs?
Some providers offer wraparound support that combines PPA cover with after-school clubs or holiday enrichment because schools benefit from a single, trusted partner.
This allows for consistent staffing and activity themes across the school day.
Extended provision supports pupil engagement and parental convenience, it’s a practical option for many schools.
How do I Get Started with PPA Cover Services?
The process of starting with PPA cover begins with a consultation to assess your school’s PPA timetable, subject preferences, and staffing requirements.
Our specialist team will propose a tailored cover plan, including lesson outlines, frequency, and pricing.
Once approved, staff are assigned and integrated into your school’s routines.
Since reliability and quality matter most, ongoing support and feedback are built into the partnership.
Enquire about our PPA cover options today.