Every teacher deserves protected, purposeful planning time and every pupil deserves meaningful learning during that time.
Yet not all PPA cover delivers the same value.
- Inconsistencies: only 1 in 3 teachers receive their full PPA time.
- Subpar quality: 25% of primary TAs provide class cover because there are ‘not enough teachers’ or schools can’t get or afford supply teachers.
That’s why more schools are choosing specialist-led PPA cover. It’s not just a quick fix; it’s a strategic solution that guarantees teachers’ planning time but also to enrich the curriculum, inspire pupils and strengthen school culture.
Why Specialist PPA Cover Matters
Specialist teachers bring passion, subject expertise and consistency that general cover staff simply cannot match.
Key benefits include:
- Lessons are structured and curriculum aligned.
- Specialist knowledge tailored to each subject.
- Long-term planning aligned to your school ethos and priorities.
- Access to creative subjects such as Music or Art.
With Ofsted putting pressure on balanced and broad curriculums, investing in specialist led PPA that commits to both, is more important than ever.
💭Have a think: Is PPA time just “cover,” or is it an opportunity for high-quality teaching that enriches your curriculum and enhances your school’s value?
Specialist PPA Cover: Unlocking Creative Subjects
When PPA is led by subject specialists, lessons do more than fill gaps in timetables. They inspire pupils and strengthen your curriculum.
Discover how our experts bring each creative subject to life.
PE- Building Confidence and Teamwork
Our PE specialists go beyond sports, helping pupils build confidence, leadership and develop a love of movement. These sessions not only boost pupil wellbeing but support school-wide culture.
MFL- Combining Language and Culture
Learning French or Spanish with specialist immerses pupils in new cultures, fostering empathy, curiosity, respect for diversity and supporting pupil’s cultural capital- serving one of Ofsted’s core focus.
Art- Embracing Creativity and Wellbeing
Art gives pupils a voice and an outlet for expression, particularly important for those with special educational needs. Specialist teaching provides structure and purpose to art lessons in an encouraging and creative environment.
Drama- Encouraging Confidence and Communication
Drama lessons deepen communications, empathy and self-belief. Drama specialists will guide pupils through performance and role play learning how to express ideas with confidence.
Music- Creating Rhythm and Joy
Bring energy back into the classroom with specialist led music lessons that create moments of shared joy through improving musical understanding and confidence. It goes beyond the classroom, from the school choir to whole school performances, music shapes a strong sense of school community.
“We’ve come to trust that LSC can arrange, organise and deliver these lessons consistently every week. For us, it just makes sense to have a fresh face to deliver the PE, Music and MFL”.
– Gareth Elswood, Executive Head, St John Chrysostom Federation
Raising Your School’s Profile
It’s not just your pupils and teachers who notice the impact of specialist led PPA provision.
Parents notice it when their children come home excited for a day full of creativity.
Ofsted inspectors notice when provision is consistent, high-quality, and contributes to personal development.
Visitors notice confident and thriving pupils, engaged in every lessons.
Effective PPA cover is build on quality, consistency and measurable impact. With subject specialists integrated into your school community, lessons become purposeful, inspiring and aligned with your curriculum priorities.
Here’s how at LSC, we do things differently:
✅Curriculum-driven: Each session is carefully planned and sequenced to meet learning goals and support long-term progression.
✅Quality-assured: Ongoing mentoring and observations ensure practitioners deliver lessons that meet the highest teaching standards.
✅Safeguarding guaranteed: Every practitioner is fully vetted, trained, and supported to uphold your school’s values.
✅Consistent and reliable: Built-in cover means lessons continue seamlessly, even when absences happen.
✅Ofsted-aware: Provision is designed to reflect inspection priorities around quality of education, behaviour, and personal development.
With more than 250 schools already working with LSC, we have seen how specialist led PPA transforms both learning and school culture.
Ready to see how LSC can enrich your school’s learning and reputation?
📥Get in touch with our School Partnership Manger today.
Beyond the Cover
Ultimately, PPA is more than giving teachers time, it’s about giving pupils opportunities:
- To move, create, perform and explore.
- To build confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
- To see school as a place where creativity and excellence thrives.