Since 2005 every teacher has been entitled to PPA time, in other words, time away from their classroom to use for Planning, Preparation and Assessment. It means school children have some of their lessons taught by another member of staff each week, important because the teaching part of school life is only the tip of an iceberg that also includes many hours of dedicated preparation, lesson planning, marking and assessment. Teachers have never been able to fit it all into the normal working day. Until 2005 it meant they were forced to work evenings and weekends, week after week, year after year, just to keep up.
These days every teacher is given at least 10% of their normal teaching hours as PPA time for teachers, usually totalling around two and a half hours each week. Many schools use PPA time for teachers, when teachers are away from their desks, for specific lessons including sport PPA cover, which means PPA is great news for kids too. Here’s why physical education classes for PPA cover are a great idea.
The many benefits of PE for PPA
Physical activity has benefits for everyone, of every age, with a positive impact on health and well-being. Exercise is good for the mind and body. It helps keep children fit and healthy and this in return improves their concentration levels and ability to learn, using up spare physical energy so they can focus harder on school work is also an obvious benefit. Sport is also great for building teams, which has an impact on children’s ability to work effectively in a team as an adult.
The outside world, the fresh air, is incredibly good for us. Simply being out and about in green natural places, like parks and playgrounds, makes us feel happier, and trees give off special chemicals that we can’t see or smell but boost our mood.
A change is as good as a rest. PPA time for teachers allows an opportunity for children to spend time outdoors, away from the classroom. And heading outdoors for some fun after spending time indoors gives kids the break they need to return to the classroom refreshed and ready to absorb more knowledge. Taking time out from the classroom outdoors can even have a positive effect on a child’s behaviour. When PPA sports and PE teachers have the skills and qualifications to manage full classes, they know exactly how to meet the needs of every learner as well as cope effectively with challenging behaviour.
PPA time for teachers coupled with physical education lessons lets children gain a decent knowledge about traditional and up-coming new sports. It helps them develop resilience, determination and dedication, and gain an understanding of the value of hard work when applied to academic success in every area. Being active drives better health and wellness, and educates children about healthy eating. PE lessons raise awareness about obesity problems, boost self-confidence, help kids develop leadership skills and even support children make better decision making as they grow.
What can your child experience during PE lessons for PPA? The choice is incredibly wide and very exciting, everything from classic sports like football, cricket, basketball, netball and badminton to innovative games like capture the flag, handball, games with giant balls, tag rugby, rounders and skipping, even gymnastics and dance.
In a world where playing outdoors isn’t possible for most children, school PE lessons can be the only exercise they ever get. Rolling PE into PPA cover delivers a magical experience for all schoolchildren, from Early Years Foundation Stage to school leavers. It recognises the importance of PE and getting more children than ever before engaged and enthusiastic about sports activities, which in turn means they’re better engaged with their own physical health.
If your school or nursery is looking for help with PPA time for teachers we can help deliver high-quality physical education and other lessons to your pupils, contact us now to learn more.