At PPA Cover, we provide specialist Forest School PPA cover that connects children with nature while supporting schools with high-quality, curriculum-aligned outdoor learning.
Our qualified Forest School leaders deliver engaging, child-led sessions that promote resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness—all while giving your teachers valuable PPA time.
We work across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, ensuring every child benefits from hands-on, holistic learning experiences rooted in the natural world.
Whether it's bushcraft, den-building, natural art or wildlife exploration, our sessions are tailored to your setting, fully risk-assessed, and aligned with your school’s values and learning goals.
Forest School PPA cover is a specialised outdoor education provision delivered during teachers' statutory Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time.
Instead of traditional classroom cover, pupils take part in structured Forest School sessions, led by trained practitioners, in natural outdoor settings.
It combines two key elements:
Forest School Approach – A child-centred, play-based method that fosters emotional, social, and physical development through activities like den-building, fire lighting, tool use, nature crafts, and wildlife exploration.
PPA Cover Solution – Fully-managed cover that meets curriculum aims and staffing requirements, allowing schools to meet legal PPA obligations while offering a high-quality, enriching learning experience.
The outcome is meaningful, holistic development for pupils, reduced teacher workload, and improved wellbeing—all through nature-based education.
At PPA Cover, we deliver high-quality Forest School PPA cover using experienced, fully trained Forest School leaders who are passionate about outdoor education. Our team is DBS-checked, first aid certified, and skilled in delivering engaging, safe, and child-led sessions across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
We handle everything—from planning and risk assessments to resources and delivery—so your staff can focus on their PPA time while pupils enjoy enriching, nature-based learning.
With PPA Cover, you get reliable, professional outdoor educators who bring the Forest School ethos to life in your setting.
Our Forest School PPA sessions are packed with engaging, hands-on activities that develop key skills while nurturing a connection with nature. Each session is tailored to age group, setting, and season, and may include:
Den building & shelter construction – promoting teamwork and problem-solving
Bushcraft & fire safety – including safe fire lighting, cooking, and tool use
Nature crafts & woodland art – encouraging creativity using natural materials
Wildlife identification & tracking – building observation, science and geography links
Mindfulness & wellbeing time – supporting emotional regulation and resilience
Outdoor games & challenges – boosting physical skills and cooperation
All sessions are led by trained Forest School leaders and fully risk-assessed. We align activities with the national curriculum and school values, making them a perfect, enriching option for PPA cover.
The average cost of Forest School PPA cover is £150 and £300 per day.
The cost of Forest School PPA cover depends on session length, location, number of pupils, and site resources because outdoor education involves specialist equipment and staffing.
The main benefit of Forest School PPA cover is that outdoor learning promotes holistic child development through experiential, nature-based education.
Our Forest School PPA cover specialists build confidence, independence, and physical skills in a meaningful environment. Benefits include:
Stronger social skills through teamwork and peer-led exploration
Improved emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and behaviour regulation
Physical development supported by climbing, tool use, and free movement
Curriculum-linked learning in science, geography, and personal development
Support for SEND and diverse learning styles through hands-on activities
Enhanced environmental awareness and responsibility
Break from indoor routines, improving focus and engagement in the classroom
Professional delivery by qualified, DBS-checked Forest School leaders
Forest School supports national curriculum objectives across multiple areas because it reinforces science, geography, PSHE, and physical education through real-world experiences.
It also contributes to personal development goals outlined by Ofsted by encouraging resilience, cooperation, and responsibility.
Learning is experiential, outcomes are often recorded through journals, observations, or class discussions.
Forest School PPA cover is typically delivered once a week per class or year group because regular exposure maximises developmental benefits.
Sessions can be scheduled for half-day or full-day slots depending on timetabling needs.
Since outdoor learning requires consistent planning and site use, providers often work termly to ensure progression and skill-building.
Getting started with PPA cover begins with a consultation to understand your school’s outdoor space, timetable, and learning goals.
We will conduct a site assessment, creates a termly plan, and provides a tailored quote.
Since each school has unique goals and site conditions, Forest School PPA is fully customised to fit your needs. Enquire today for a no-obligation quote!