TEACHERS are running out of ways to describe how The Daily Mile has helped to improve their children's happiness, fitness, behaviour and ability to concentrate in class. Many say the 15-minute break from lessons is now a crucial part of the school day.
“I believe in establishing habits for life,” said Marianne Wheeler, a Mental Health Lead at Crabtree Junior School in Hertfordshire. “The Daily Mile is a simple routine for our children at school, but it might be the foundation for a lifetime of staying active.”
As INCH went to press, it emerged that almost five million children from 96 countries now regularly run, wheel, or walk The Daily Mile.
England is top of the league with 8,357 schools signed up, representing 47% of primary schools. Scotland, where it all started, has 1,348 schools on board, representing 53% of primary schools.
Gordon Banks, Global Director of The Daily Mile Foundation, recently visited two UK schools during Children’s Mental Health Week.
“We know that children, who are physically active on a regular basis, have better mental health,” he said.
“But with one in five children and young people having a probable mental health condition, which many will take into their adult lives, it is essential that we act now to ensure that every child can enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity.”