The Daily Mile is easy to implement and fun to do. All children enjoy it and participate happily. Children with mobility difficulties should be fully supported to take part as well. If you stick to these core principles, your Daily Mile will be successful and sustainable!

Core Principles Resource

 QUICK

It takes just 15 minutes with no time spent changing, setting up or tidying up. Transitions between class and route should be slick.

 FUN

The Daily Mile is physical activity in a social setting and must be fun for the children. They can chat to their friends as they run, jog, wheel or walk along enjoying the experience together.

100%

It’s always fully inclusive – every child, every day. They should all be out together in the fresh air. Children with mobility difficulties should be supported to take part.

WEATHER

Treat the weather as a benefit, not a barrier. Children enjoy being outside in the different types of weather, connecting with nature and being aware of the seasons.

 ROUTE

Ideally, your Daily Mile route should have a firm and mud-free surface – most schools use the playground or an existing path. Incorporating child-pleasing loops and squiggles works well.

RISK

Risk assess the route in order to ensure The Daily Mile is a safe activity. Please see a sample risk assessment, here.

WHEN TO GO

The Daily Mile should happen during curricular time, at least 3 times a week. Ideally, the class teacher should decide when to go out – they know their class and can respond flexibly to their needs.

 CLOTHES

The children run in their school clothes without changing into kit, putting jackets on if it’s cold or damp and taking sweatshirts off if it’s warm.

 OWN PACE

The children go at their own pace.

 SIMPLE

Keep it simple. Resist the temptation to over complicate it. It should always be social and fun. From time-to-time, you may wish to connect it to the curriculum or do something seasonal, for example, running ‘Laps to Lapland‘.