Computing and ICT PPA Cover for Primary Schools
In an increasingly digital world, computing skills are a cornerstone of education. Our Computing PPA cover ensures pupils develop a strong foundation in coding, programming, and digital literacy. Delivered by knowledgeable educators, these sessions make complex topics accessible and engaging for all age groups. By incorporating interactive activities and practical applications, students gain confidence in using technology responsibly and creatively, preparing them for future academic and professional challenges.
Computing PPA Cover for Primary and Secondary Schools
Qualified computing specialists delivering curriculum-aligned programming, digital literacy, and online safety for EYFS, KS1 and KS2 — while your class teachers take their PPA time.
Why Computing PPA Cover Needs a Subject Specialist
When computing replaced ICT as a statutory subject in 2014, it created an immediate challenge for primary schools. The new curriculum moved decisively beyond using computers — into writing and debugging code, understanding how networks work, and thinking algorithmically. Skills the majority of primary teachers were not trained in and have not had meaningful CPD to develop since.
Over a decade on, the gap has not closed. Computing remains the primary curriculum subject where teachers report the least confidence. It is also the subject most likely to be under-delivered during PPA cover — because a non-specialist in front of a class with laptops will default to the safest option rather than deliver the programming or computational thinking lesson the curriculum requires.
Zoosh Education places computing specialists in primary schools to deliver the computing curriculum properly. Every session is planned, recorded, and tracked through TeachTool — included in the price and ready before your specialist arrives.
What Our Computing PPA Cover Teachers Deliver
All lesson plans and assessment records are provided through TeachTool. Your school does not need to source or prepare planning materials.
EYFS (Nursery and Reception)
- Introduction to technology in everyday life
- Simple directional programming — floor robots such as Bee-Bots
- Basic device handling and mouse skills
- Understanding that instructions make things happen
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
- Algorithms — writing and following simple instruction sequences
- Programming — Scratch Jr, Blockly, or similar visual coding environments
- Debugging — finding and fixing problems in a sequence
- Digital literacy — using technology safely and responsibly
- Online safety — age-appropriate understanding of acceptable use
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6)
- Programming — Scratch, Python introduction (Years 5 and 6)
- Computational thinking — decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithms
- Data and information — spreadsheets, databases, data handling
- Networks — how the internet works, how data is transmitted
- Online safety — digital footprint, cyberbullying, managing personal information
- Creating media — photography, video, audio within the curriculum context
Design and Technology crossover Where computing PPA slots involve digital design tools, CAD, or DT-adjacent technology content, we can accommodate crossover requirements — contact us with your specific needs.
Computing, ICT, and What Your School Actually Needs
Many primary schools still refer to computing sessions as “ICT” — both terms refer to the same subject on the timetable. The National Curriculum uses “Computing” as the formal name, but the content includes what was previously called ICT (digital literacy, using applications, creating with technology) alongside the programming and computational thinking requirements introduced in 2014.
Whether your school calls it Computing or ICT, our specialists deliver the full curriculum — including digital literacy components — as a cohesive programme.
How Zoosh Education Delivers Computing PPA Cover
The multi-subject carousel Zoosh Education coordinates multiple specialist teachers across different subjects simultaneously — typically within a morning or afternoon. This works particularly well in schools with two or more classes per year group.
In practice: a Computing specialist, a Music specialist, and a PE specialist might all be on site on the same day. Each class rotates between subjects across the session. By the end of the morning, every class has received a high-quality lesson in each subject — and every class teacher has taken their PPA.
Zoosh Education manages the scheduling — the coordination sits with us, not your school office.
Planning and Assessment Through TeachTool
All lesson plans, session records, and assessment notes are managed through TeachTool — Zoosh Education’s planning platform. Lessons are planned ahead of each visit and available in TeachTool before your specialist arrives. Session records are updated after each delivery.
Your school has full visibility of what has been covered — without any planning administration falling on your staff. There is nothing to prepare, source, or chase.
Online Safety Embedded Across the Year
Online safety is a thread running through the National Curriculum for Computing at every key stage. Our specialists integrate age-appropriate online safety into sessions across the year:
- KS1: using technology safely, keeping personal information private, knowing how to get help
- KS2: privacy, digital footprints, cyberbullying, evaluating online content, understanding persuasive design
Online safety is not treated as a single annual event — it is embedded in regular lessons throughout the year.
Why Schools Choose Zoosh Education for Computing PPA Cover
Specialists who can actually write code Our computing teachers can deliver programming lessons — they understand Scratch, Python, and the computational thinking concepts the National Curriculum requires.
Everything provided through TeachTool Lesson plans, curriculum tracking, and session records are all included and managed through TeachTool. Zero preparation required from your school.
Online safety embedded Age-appropriate online safety is integrated across every term’s delivery — not a bolt-on.
DBS-checked and safeguarding training completed All enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training completed before placement.
Consistent staffing The same computing specialist, same day, every week. Pupils build familiarity and progress through a planned curriculum sequence rather than starting fresh each session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices do pupils need? Our sessions work with the school’s existing devices — laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, or desktops. Please tell us your setup when you enquire so sessions can be planned accordingly.
Does computing PPA cover require us to prepare lesson plans? No. Lesson plans are provided through TeachTool and included in the price. Your school does not need to prepare or source planning materials separately.
Can you deliver online safety as a standalone session? Yes. While we recommend embedding online safety across the curriculum, standalone online safety sessions can be arranged as part of your PPA timetable if required.
My school still calls it ICT — does that matter? Not at all. Whether your school uses the term Computing, ICT, or Digital Skills, we deliver the full National Curriculum for Computing — both the programming and computational thinking elements and the digital literacy components.
How is computing PPA cover priced? Pricing depends on session duration and frequency. Contact us for a tailored quote.