You’re Wasting Your PPA Budget If You’re Not Teaching This Language

What if your PPA cover could do more than fill time?
 

Imagine a class where children are moving, laughing, and absorbing a new language that boosts their memory, focus, and confidence, all while aligning perfectly with the national curriculum. That’s what happens when schools introduce Mandarin Chinese during PPA.

And no, it’s not as difficult to deliver as you might think.

Why Mandarin Makes Sense in UK Primary Schools

Mandarin is the fastest growing modern foreign language in UK primary schools. It’s engaging, culturally rich, and incredibly rewarding for young learners. With China’s global influence rising, parents and educators alike are recognising Mandarin as a future-ready skill.

Yet many schools still default to European languages like French or Spanish during PPA sessions, missing out on the chance to offer something truly unique.

What about nurseries and early years?

Nurseries embracing Mandarin through storytelling, singing, and movement-based play are seeing outstanding engagement, even from toddlers. Introducing a tonal language early supports phonemic awareness and deepens listening skills, all while children are simply having fun.

Real-Life Example: Meet Maple Grove Primary

At Maple Grove, Mandarin replaced a standard topic time slot during PPA. Using a playful, story-led approach, a Mandarin specialist visits weekly to lead sessions with KS1 and KS2 pupils.

In just one term:

• Children were confidently saying “你好” (nǐ hǎo) and “谢谢” (xiè xiè)

• Staff reported increased focus and enthusiasm from pupils

• Parents were amazed and even asking if classes could continue after school

What’s In It for the Children?

Mandarin isn’t just about learning a language. It supports the whole child.

Cognitive Benefits

Studies show that Mandarin improves memory, multitasking, and creativity thanks to its character-based system and tonal sounds.

Behaviour and Confidence

Children enjoy Mandarin because it’s delivered through stories, songs, and movement. This format boosts confidence and reduces classroom anxiety.

Cultural Appreciation

Mandarin introduces children to Chinese festivals, traditions, and values, encouraging open-mindedness and global awareness.

How It Supports the Curriculum

Mandarin can be fully aligned with:

• PPA cover requirements, ideal for enriching sessions during teacher release time

• Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), meeting KS2 language goals and creatively introduced in KS1

• Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons, encouraging empathy, respect, and cultural understanding

• EYFS areas of learning, especially communication and language development through listening, speaking, and storytelling

How to Get Started

It’s easier than you think. Many schools partner with specialists like MANDO SCHOOL, where trained teachers deliver high-energy Mandarin sessions that feel more like drama or music classes than traditional lessons.

Here’s what to look for:

• A provider with experience in early years and primary

• Lesson plans that use stories, songs, and movement

• Clear links to curriculum goals

• A simple setup with minimal disruption to staff

FAQs

Is Mandarin too hard for young children?
Not at all. When taught through play, children naturally pick up sounds, tones, and basic vocabulary, just like learning a song.

Do we need special resources?
No. Good providers bring their own materials or use simple, low-prep tools. You don’t need special tech or Mandarin-speaking staff.

Will it replace our current language provision?
Only if you want it to. Some schools offer Mandarin alongside French or Spanish, while others make the switch completely.

Can it be used for PPA?
Yes. Mandarin can fully cover your PPA requirements with clear educational value.

What if parents are unsure?
Once they see their child counting to ten in Mandarin and singing about pandas, most are thrilled.

Don’t Let Your PPA Go to Waste

Your PPA sessions are an opportunity, not just a cover. Mandarin transforms that time into something memorable, educational, and future-facing.

At MANDO SCHOOL, we work with UK nurseries and primaries to bring Mandarin to life through adventure-led lessons tailored to young learners.

Book a Free Trial or Speak to Our Team

Let’s explore how Mandarin can work for your school.
Book a trial session or get in touch to learn more about how we support nurseries and primaries across the UK.