The Daily Mile is simple and free. We want to get children fit for life and fit for learning by encouraging them to run or jog for 15 minutes every day in their schools or nurseries. It is a physical activity which promotes social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, as well as fitness. It takes place outside in the fresh air during the school day at a time of the teacher’s choosing. Children run in their school clothes and no special kit or equipment is required.

Schools and Clubs can sign themselves up to The Daily Mile. If you’re a Head, Teacher, Coach or PE lead, your organisation can join the movement here. 

Every day in schools and clubs in a safe and risk-assessed environment. It happens outside (around a school playground or field for example) so that the children get the full benefits from running in the fresh air with their friends, in almost all weathers.

The simple answer is no – no special surface or running track is needed to do The Daily Mile. Most schools do The Daily Mile in playgrounds, around school fields (providing it isn’t muddy) or simply around school or club buildings. Some schools choose to put funding towards a running track, but this is not a necessity to do The Daily Mile. As long as you have some outside space big enough for children to run around, your school can participate in The Daily Mile.

Schools looking to install a track should think about incorporating child-pleasing loops and swirls into the route, as this prevents it from feeling like a race or competition.

The Daily Mile is not the same as Sport or PE, it is a social, non-competitive activity. Children are encouraged to run or jog for 15 minutes at their own pace. They can occasionally walk to catch their breath, if necessary, but should aim to run or jog for the full 15 minutes. The beauty of The Daily Mile is that it is simple and easy to implement, it does not require any change of clothes or set-up. The teacher can also choose when their class runs The Daily Mile, at a time where they think the children would benefit the most.

The emphasis is on the time not the distance. The Daily Mile is so-called because in the 15 minutes, 75% of the younger children (3-7 years) and 90% of the older children (8-12 years) average a mile or more. The Daily Mile is fully inclusive – every child participates regardless of age, ability or circumstance. Children with special or complex needs are supported to take part. What counts is not the distance but the fact that they all participate in 15 minutes of daily physical activity outside in the fresh air.

The Daily Mile works for children from nursery school age upwards because the emphasis is on moving at your own pace for 15 minutes, rather than on the distance of a mile. It’s all about empowering the children to own their daily 15 minutes of activity – even if they’re not averaging a mile (yet!). The Daily Mile instils healthy habits and reinforces a positive attitude towards regular physical activity from a young age.

The Daily Mile should be completed during curricular time, preferably daily but at least 3 times a week. Ideally, the class teacher should decide when to go out, as they can respond flexibly to the students’ needs. The Daily Mile is additional to PE, Sport and active play during break time – it should not be done during or as a replacement.

Every child, no matter their age, ability or circumstances succeeds at The Daily Mile. All children take part, including those with special or complex needs. In our experience, even children initially reluctant to take part in The Daily Mile come to enjoy participating and many become more naturally inclined to engage in sport and physical activity.

Quite the opposite! There is a proven link between daily physical activity and raised attainment. The Daily Mile has been shown to increase concentration levels, reduce challenging behaviours, and improve attainment in SATs. Parents have also reported that their children are eating better and sleeping better – they’re “tired in a good way.”

Children’s school footwear should be suitable for active play. The Daily Mile is an extra 15 minutes of physical activity in the school day, alongside break and lunchtime. Many schools have chosen to make black trainers part of the school uniform, which works well. However, all children can participate in The Daily Mile as no change of kit or shoes is required.

The clue is in the name! Ideally, The Daily Mile is run every single day in school. For children to be able to experience the full benefits and enjoy their Daily Mile, it needs to be done at least three times a week and preferably more.