Three in four primary school teachers report children’s physical activity is in decline

Three in four primary school teachers report children’s physical activity is in decline

• The Daily Mile and ITV joins forces for the sixth year to highlight and promote the benefits of daily physical activity on children’s physical and mental wellbeing in national campaign, Thrive, encouraging schools to get involved.
• Nearly half of all primary schools across the UK are already fighting against inactivity by taking part in The Daily Mile, an initiative supported by INEOS.
• Scientific research confirms The Daily Mile can significantly enhance children’s fitness, heighten their alertness, and boost concentration levels in class, supporting improved learning outcomes and helping children feel happier.

Friday 20^th September 2024: Nearly three quarters (74%) of primary school teachers in the UK think that children’s physical activity is declining. This comes as well over half (65%) report that the first term of the school year is the most challenging for getting children active.

That’s according to new research from The Daily Mile Foundation, supported by INEOS, established to promote the (health and wellbeing) benefits of daily physical activity  – using a simple model to get children walking, wheeling or running for 15 minutes a day.

Low physical activity levels causing classroom disruption

Low physical activity levels are having a direct impact on children’s health and on their overall development. Nearly half of teachers (48%) say that they have observed low levels of physical activity leading to children being less attentive in class, as well as more disruptive (41%).

Declining activity levels also places pressure on teachers, with three quarters (75%) feeling responsible for the physical wellbeing of their pupils.

Physical activity is key to children’s success at school

According to the research, 87% of teachers agree that daily physical activity would improve school children’s behaviour and their learning outcomes.

The Daily Mile provides a great way for teachers and students to increase their daily physical activity and reap the rewards of doing so. Teachers at schools who participate in The Daily Mile are more likely than those who do not to say that their pupils are attentive in class (66% vs 50%) and have good classroom behaviour (71% vs 58%).

Elaine Wylie MBE, Former  Headteacher of St Ninian’s primary school in Stirling, and founder of The Daily Mile in 2012, comments: “Children’s physical fitness is paramount to both their health and academic outcomes. The proven success of The Daily Mile makes it clear that building healthy habits for life can be affordable, inclusive, and simple.”

 The Daily Mile’s high impact, accessible model is now adopted by schools in over 98 countries, with over 5 million children registered to take part.

“We are committed to ensuring as many children as possible can enjoy its clear lifelong benefits and are delighted to be working with ITV on our Thrive campaign to encourage more schools to get involved.” Wyllie continues.

The Daily Mile and ITV formed a partnership in 2018, helping to generate over 11,000 additional school sign ups (to The Daily Mile), contributing to nearly two million more children participating since the partnership began.

The Daily Mile is a global success, started in the UK, with nearly half of all primary schools across the country already signed up. Find out more or sign up to The Daily Mile at www.thedailymile.co.uk.