Why schools should invest their PPA budget in Mandarin Chinese

Primary schools face the constant challenge of delivering meaningful learning experiences while managing staff time effectively. One vital area of focus is how schools use their Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time. With increasing pressure to deliver both value and enrichment, every decision about PPA cover matters.

This is where Mandarin Chinese comes in—not as a novelty language, but as a strategic educational investment. It offers a blend of global relevance, cognitive development, and child-led engagement that few other subjects can match.

Let’s explore why Mandarin Chinese should be your go-to choice for PPA provision—and how it benefits children, teachers, and the entire school community.

What Is PPA Time and Why Does It Matter?

PPA time is a statutory entitlement that allows teachers time away from the classroom to plan lessons, prepare resources, and assess student progress. This time is usually covered by:

• Supply teachers

• HLTA staff

• Specialist external providers

For the cover to be effective, it must be more than just time-filling—it must provide meaningful, high-quality learning that aligns with the curriculum.

When schools select Mandarin as a PPA subject, they are choosing to give pupils:

• A head start in a globally significant language

• Access to immersive, engaging sessions

• A unique skill set that fosters both academic and personal growth

Why Mandarin Chinese Is the Perfect Fit for PPA Cover

1. Backed by Government and Global Relevance

Mandarin Chinese is one of the world’s most spoken languages. It is also one of the Department for Education’s priority languages, recognised for its strategic importance.

Through initiatives like the Mandarin Excellence Programme, the government has highlighted its commitment to building Mandarin fluency in UK pupils. This makes Mandarin a smart investment for schools aiming to:

• Stay aligned with national priorities

• Boost their MFL provision

• Prepare pupils for international opportunities

2. Proven Academic and Cognitive Benefits

Mandarin is a powerful tool for developing pupils’ brains. It challenges learners in unique ways:

• Tonal awareness enhances listening precision and memory.

• Character-based writing improves visual learning and spatial recognition.

• Language patterns build logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Research shows that bilingual learners often outperform peers in tasks involving executive function, concentration, and mental flexibility—all essential for lifelong learning.

3. A Child-Friendly, Story-Led Approach

When taught by specialists like Mando School, Mandarin lessons are far from intimidating. Instead, they are:

• Packed with imaginative stories featuring animals, magical lands, and cultural themes.

• Infused with movement, singing, and games to make language learning memorable.

• Built around a consistent, visual approach that helps even non-readers succeed.

This format is ideal for primary-aged learners, who thrive when lessons are playful, rhythmic, and visually engaging.

Mandarin PPA Cover in Action

At a diverse two-form entry primary school in Birmingham, Mandarin was introduced as a PPA subject across Reception to Year 4. Within just two terms:

• Teacher workload was eased, with zero planning required for cover staff.

• Children began confidently greeting each other in Mandarin.

• A group of Year 2 pupils led a Chinese New Year assembly using Mandarin phrases and songs.

• Attendance during Mandarin sessions increased by 18% compared to the same time last year.

"It’s been amazing to see even our shyest children flourish in Mandarin lessons. The songs and animal characters draw them in—and they don’t want to leave the room when the class ends!" — Assistant Headteacher

Budget-Friendly, Flexible, and Scalable

Smart Use of Funds

Mandarin tuition via external providers is often more cost-effective than hiring supply teachers. With rates ranging from £75 to £85 per hour (excluding VAT), schools get:

• Fully trained Mandarin-speaking teachers

• All planning and resources provided

• Curriculum-linked lessons tailored to Early Years, KS1, and KS2

Value Beyond the Classroom

Choosing Mandarin is not just a short-term fix—it’s a long-term investment. Pupils develop skills that:

• Translate into higher academic performance

• Increase cultural awareness and global citizenship

• Boost confidence through mastery of a ‘difficult’ subject

Mandarin also supports wider school development plans, from diversity and inclusion to international links and curriculum enrichment.

What to Look for in a Mandarin PPA Provider

Choosing the right provider is key to success. Look for one that offers:

• Native-speaking teachers experienced with UK primary learners

• Story-led, kinaesthetic teaching with songs, movement and visuals

• Flexible booking options and strong communication

• Safeguarding, DBS, and full curriculum alignment

• Optional extras like themed workshops, festivals, or online resources

Providers like Mando School offer all of this—plus the experience of working in over 70 UK schools and nurseries before COVID, with a growing return to form.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Q1: Is Mandarin too difficult for young children?

No! When taught through storytelling, music, and physical actions, Mandarin becomes intuitive and fun. Young learners absorb pronunciation and tones naturally.

Q2: Does Mandarin align with the national curriculum?

Yes. Mandarin can be aligned with the MFL objectives of the national curriculum, and many providers integrate it into cross-curricular themes (e.g. festivals, geography, and PSHE).

Q3: Can we trial Mandarin before committing?

Absolutely. Reputable providers like Mando School offer free taster sessions, giving pupils and staff the chance to experience Mandarin learning in action.

Q4: What if we want Mandarin for only part of the school?

No problem. Mandarin can be delivered to specific year groups or classes during your PPA slots. It’s fully scalable.

A Global Language for a Global Generation

Mandarin Chinese is more than a language; it’s a window into a dynamic culture, a way to prepare pupils for the future, and an engaging PPA solution that delivers across the board.

With increasing global links, expanding international job markets, and strong government support, it’s never been more important to equip young learners with real-world skills. Mandarin ticks every box—academic, cultural, cognitive, and practical.

Schools that choose Mandarin for PPA aren’t just filling a timetable—they’re building a legacy.

Interested in making Mandarin part of your school’s PPA provision?
Book a FREE Mandarin taster session with Mando School today.
👉 Book Now

Or contact us for bespoke pricing, delivery plans, and impact reports.

Empower your pupils. Enrich your curriculum. Make your PPA count.

Let’s shape a generation that speaks to the world - in Mandarin.