This Is the Most Valuable Way to Spend Your PPA Budget in 2025

Every school leader wants to make the most of their PPA (Planning, Preparation and Assessment) cover. Whether you're a headteacher, EYFS lead or curriculum coordinator, you’ve probably asked: What’s the most meaningful way to use our PPA budget?

In 2025, the answer might surprise you. More and more schools are turning to Mandarin Chinese lessons as a valuable, enriching and future-ready option that ticks every box, for children, staff and the wider school community.

Why This Matters in Primary Schools and Nurseries

The Rising Demand for Enrichment and Global Skills

As schools work to recover learning gaps and boost engagement, there’s increasing demand for meaningful enrichment activities during PPA cover. Mandarin Chinese is:

• A high-value skill for future careers

• Culturally rich and globally relevant

• Government-backed through initiatives like the Mandarin Excellence Programme

It brings academic, personal and global benefits, all while giving teachers essential PPA time.

Meets Curriculum Goals Across Multiple Areas

Mandarin learning supports:

• EYFS: Communication and Language, Understanding the World

• KS1/KS2 MFL: Mandarin as a non-European language

• PSHE: Diversity, respect, self-confidence

• PPA: Specialist delivery during staff release time

It’s not just a language, it’s a whole-child learning opportunity.

The Benefits to Children’s Development and Confidence

• Boosts brain development: Mandarin strengthens memory, pattern recognition and listening skills

• Builds resilience and curiosity: Children love the challenge and novelty of learning something different

• Supports behaviour and focus: Lessons are active, visual and often story-led, keeping children engaged and settled

• Inspires global thinking: Pupils feel proud to learn a language used by over a billion people

How Mandarin Can Fit Seamlessly Into Your PPA Provision

Flexible Delivery Models

Mandarin can be delivered by:

• A visiting specialist provider

• An HLTA with Mandarin resources

• Online Mandarin sessions guided by qualified teachers

Many schools choose to partner with organisations like MANDO SCHOOL, who provide all planning and resources.

Easy to Integrate with Thematic or Cross-Curricular Learning

Mandarin can be taught through:

• Songs, games and movement for EYFS

• Cultural themes like Chinese New Year

• Storytelling and character recognition for older pupils

No prior staff Mandarin experience is required.

FAQs

Is Mandarin too difficult for young children?

Not when it’s taught through play, music and movement. Young children are often more open to new sounds and patterns than older learners.

How much does it cost?

Mandarin can be delivered from as little as £75 per hour, depending on your term commitment. Many schools find it comparable to or cheaper than other specialist PPA providers.

Can we start small?

Absolutely. Some schools start with one year group or an after-school club before expanding to whole school provision.

How do we show impact?

Mandarin learning can be tracked through vocabulary retention, confidence in speaking, cultural awareness and pupil voice surveys.

A Smart Investment for 2025 and Beyond

PPA cover isn’t just about filling a timetable, it’s an opportunity to inspire, enrich and empower. Mandarin Chinese offers a rare blend of cognitive challenge, cultural depth, and 21st-century relevance.

If your school is looking for a fresh, impactful, and future-facing use of its PPA budget in 2025, Mandarin may be just what you’re looking for.

What's Next?

Want to explore Mandarin as part of your PPA provision?
Book a free taster session with MANDO SCHOOL and see how it works in your setting.
👉 Book Now

Make your PPA count, invest in a language that speaks to the future.