Fact File

Where we’re based: Hertfordshire, England

Roll: 491

Our Daily Mile Story

Amanda Hutson is the Sports Coach of The Grove Junior School and tells us about their experience of The Daily Mile.

We began running The Daily Mile in 2014 and used the term Fit4fifteen. This meant that each class would complete fifteen minutes of fitness three times per week in any way they wanted. Rather than insist that each class run, they had the option of completing any physical activity. It wasn’t long before The Daily Mile was everyone’s preferred choice due to the ease with which it could be completed.

We have a field next to the school which is approximately 300m in perimeter. At first the classes ran on the pathways and across the grass but using capital funding we installed an Astro track in 2015 which has allowed us to use the field all year round, whatever the weather. This has inspired the linked Infant school and staff to join in and use the track on a daily basis as well.

Timetabling was the initial barrier as well as staff who had to be convinced about the benefits for the pupils. However, since starting The Daily Mile, the pupils active time and overall fitness has improved dramatically and other schools have also travelled to use the track with us as a school trip! A lovely opportunity for the pupils to meet and cheer each other on.

One member of staff who was pregnant last year and suffering from SPD said “Completing The Daily Mile with my class was a good opportunity to keep up with light exercise without having to plan it into my own time.”

Quotes from staff

“I have managed to maintain some sort of exercise regime due to the school track. Running with a class and 10 laps a day straight after lessons made me fit it into my schedule and complete RED January with ease!”

–Staff Member

“During lockdown the school track was a great safe place to come and exercise outdoors without leaving a secure site”

-Staff Member

“I know it might be a small thing, but it gives children the exercise break they need and also a chance to exercise while sharing news with their teacher/TA and build strong relationships”

-Staff Member

THE DAILY MILE AND SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE NEW STRATEGY AND SCOTTISH PROGRAMME MANAGER, PUTTING SCOTLAND ONE STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING THE WORLD’S FIRST DAILY MILE NATION

The Scottish Government and The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, is delighted to announce the development of a Daily Mile Nation Strategy alongside the appointment of Fiona Paterson in the role of Programme Manager for Scotland.

The Daily Mile Foundation has developed a strategy in partnership with Scottish Government and in consultation with delivery partners to ensure it can be made accessible across Scotland, regardless of ability, age or personal circumstance.

Established in Scotland in 2012 as a school-based programme, The Daily Mile sees children jog, run, walk or wheel at their own pace for 15 minutes. The activities take place a minimum of three time a week with the aim of improving health and wellbeing.

The Daily Mile is now a global success and has been adopted by 11,700+ schools and nurseries in 79 different countries. Scotland has seen huge growth with 973 schools and education settings taking part.

In 2017, the Scottish Government announced their ambition to become the first Daily Mile Nation. The Scottish Government’s vision was to build on the success of The Daily Mile within the school settings and encourage organisations, families and individuals to embed The Daily Mile as part of their daily routine improving positive behaviours through physical activity that can benefit everyday life.

COVID-19 has created additional pressures to people’s physical and mental health. There has never been a more important time to increase activity for physical, mental and social health benefits. The Daily Mile provides a simple, free and inclusive solution.

Data from the Scottish household survey shows that only 61% of children meet the minimum daily guidelines for physical activity, which is a drop of 7% from previously reported and only 65% of adults in Scotland meet the minimum daily guidelines for physical activity.

Research has shown, children who are physically active gain mental health benefits and have been shown to be fitter and carry the benefits of physical activity into later life.

Fiona’s appointment to The Daily Mile Foundation is funded by the Scottish Government and will help Scotland in reaching the target to become the world’s first Daily Mile Nation. Before joining The Daily Mile, Fiona was Programme Manager at Scottish Swimming for 10-years, where she championed the importance of getting children involved in sport.

Fiona Paterson, Programme Manager for The Daily Mile in Scotland, says, “I am excited to be working with The Daily Mile team. I am passionate about driving participation in physical activity and finding new ways to convey the life-changing benefits of regular physical activity; something which has never been more important. The Daily Mile is a wonderfully inclusive initiative and can be enjoyed by schools, organisations, families or individuals. I look forward to working with partners across Scotland to deliver on the Scottish Government’s ambition of becoming the first Daily Mile Nation.”

Joe Fitzpatrick, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, says, “The impact of COVID-19 has been felt by everyone in Scotland across all walks of life and provided further challenges around physical and mental health. The Daily Mile can be part of the solution to improved health and wellbeing through physical activity.”

Elaine Wyllie MBE, Founder of The Daily Mile, says, “We are so pleased to have the Scottish Government’s support and the new strategy, provides a great platform that will bring Scotland closer to becoming the first Daily Mile Nation. The Daily Mile is continuing to grow across the globe and partners like the Scottish Government make it possible for it to reach more children, young people and adults. The Daily Mile is free, easy to implement and has been transformational to the lives of millions of schoolchildren worldwide. I encourage schools, organisations and individual’s across Scotland to get fit for life by making The Daily Mile a simple yet truly powerful part of their day.”

ENDS.

Strategy information

To view or download the strategy: thedailymile.co.uk/the-daily-mile-nation/

Media contacts

MediaZoo for The Daily Mile Foundation: Chris Hall – chris.hall@mediazoo.tv – 07739 571 634

Scottish Government: Jane Gallacher – jane.gallacher@gov.scot – 0131 244 1576

References

• Scottish household survey: www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2019-summary-report/
• Science behind The Daily Mile for children: thedailymile.co.uk/research/