Daily Mile
In 2017, we were lucky enough to be awarded an 'Awards for All' lottery grant which enabled us to create an all weather running track on the school field. The field is a quarter of a mile around its edge meaning that 4 laps of the track are around a mile long. Children start running as soon as they start school in Reception class. The expectation is to run one continuous lap without stopping in Reception, building to two laps by the end of Year 2 and four laps by the end of Year 6. Classes get out onto the track as often as possible either during break and lunchtimes or at other times during the school day when some fresh air and a 'brain break' are required!
We also hold after school running clubs at various points in the school year including a 'Santa Dash' in the run up to Christmas. We hold an annual 'Fun Run' in conjunction with the PTFA during the summer term to raise money and to give everyone, even parents, an opportunity to use the track and to show off their running stamina.
Intent
It is a daily physical activity with the sole aim of improving children’s health and wellbeing.
Implementation
It is not PE or sport and sits separately in the school day within the health, physical activity and wellbeing area of the curriculum. It is not complicated – the children go outdoors and run and jog, sometimes walking.
It does not require any kit – the children run in their school clothes and don’t change.
It takes place outdoors, in almost all weathers, and is supervised usually by the class teacher (no special supervision qualification required).
Staff encourage the children and may choose to join in too - it’s good for everyone!
All of the children, including children with Special Educational Needs, take part and they choose whether to run, jog or walk.
It does not require any specialist input – e.g. there is never a warm up/warm down. It does not require any specialist equipment or staff training.
It is not competitive – it is not a race, nor cross-country – the children set their own pace.
It is not short-term – schools adopt it knowing their children will do The Daily Mile for years to come.
Impact
The benefits are not just physical - there is a clear positive impact on children's social, emotional and mental health. Children are outdoors in all weathers, moving their bodies in a positive way and getting fitter at the same time! The children enjoy the run and do not view is as a task, assignment or set of targets. Children run with friends and talk with peers or teachers as they wish. Children's fitness levels have improved as a result of our frequent running and we have children enthusiastically taking part in fun runs and park runs in their local communities, proudly sharing thier distance running medals and certificates in assemblies in school.