The Daily Mile
We use the Daily Mile at Brambles as a way to ensure our children are active.
The children run, jog or walk for 15 minutes and staff join into support and encourage them as they go.
Benefits of the Daily Mile
Fitness, stamina and energy levels are increased Fitness, stamina and energy levels are increased
It reduces obesity and improves body composition – bone density, muscle strength, joints and cardiovascular health
Gross and fine motor skills are developed, leading to better balance and helping to reduce dyspraxia
Children are less sedentary, doing more moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA)
Improves physical development in children from nursery age upwards
It promotes the idea of self-care with children becoming more aware of their own health and the need to take responsibility for it
It can benefit children with medical conditions, such as diabetes and asthma
Children doing The Daily Mile have the chance to create better health outcomes for the future
There is no feeling of being left out – it’s always 100% inclusive and all children take part, including those with special and complex needs
The children enjoy it and look forward to it – having fun, in the fresh air with friends, with a sense of freedom
Being outdoors, children can have those feelings which come through connecting with the weather, seasons and nature
It can result in children reporting generally higher levels of self-satisfaction
It can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, with children feeling happier and refreshed
There is no sense of failure – everyone succeeds at The Daily Mile because it’s not a race
Confidence and self-esteem are improved and enhanced
It helps children to develop greater resilience and determination
After running and jogging for 15 minutes, greater focus and concentration is evident in class
The children are often more settled afterwards, leading to improvements in behaviour
As it’s a social activity, it can help to build relationships and reduce isolation
It helps tackle inequality – no child needs kit, equipment, money or transport to participate
It helps to close the health inequality gap between the most and least deprived children
Parents can start to see the benefits at home, often reporting that their children are eating and sleeping better, as well as encouraging their family to be more active