Record numbers of children get moving with The Daily Mile

Alkrington Primary School doing The Daily Mile with headteacher, Tim Barnes, using a megaphone

The Daily Mile has got 7,000 children moving across the borough of Rochdale. 

The nationwide initiative involves 15 minutes of walking, jogging or running, in a non-competitive manner, at some time during the school day. The Daily Mile aims to increase activity levels in children and should be delivered in addition to PE lessons. 

Currently, just 23% of boys and 20% of girls in England meet the national recommended level of activity.  In 2015-16, Rochdale was one of the five most inactive local authorities in England. 

The current physical activity guidelines for children aged 5-18 years old are at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day – this should range from moderate activity, such as cycling and playground activities, to vigorous activity, such as running and tennis. 

Schools have a responsibility to provide 30 of children’s 60 active minutes each day and The Daily Mile is an easy and free way to get children moving. 

Alkrington Primary School has been doing The Daily Mile for nearly three years and use stickers and weekly trophies to reward those who run the furthest and show most improvement. 

Tim Barnes, headteacher at Alkrington Primary School, said: “Children are too inactive these days and spend too much time on devices staring at screens. 

“We keep The Daily Mile interesting, we have a dodgeball day – the staff enjoy that one! We play music and I encourage the children through a loud speaker.” 

Out of 72 primary schools across the borough, 33 are currently taking part in The Daily Mile regularly. 

Andrea Fallon, director of public health at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see schools like Alkrington using The Daily Mile to get children moving more. 

“The Daily Mile is such a positive step for schools to take to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of the children and we would like to help schools to sign up. Join us to help Greater Manchester become the first city-region with every school taking part.” 

If your school is interested in starting The Daily Mile or other healthy initiatives, email Rochdale Borough Council at healthy.heroes@rochdale.gov.uk or to sign up to the scheme directly visit:

thedailymile.co.uk