Children celebrate five years of The Daily Mile

Friday 29 April 2022

Children from early years settings took part in a variety of exercise activities to mark five years of The Daily Mile yesterday.

The Health Improvement Commission invited all early years organisations to take part to host the event at the KGV.

The Daily Mile is an initiative which sees children participate in 15 minutes of exercise each day.

Pictured: Children from Little Bears Nature Preschool running along the Dorothy Langlois track at KGV. 

Commission Be Active Education Lead, Alun Williams, said The Daily Mile had been running for 10 years in the UK.

“We started The Daily Mile after a visit from its founder [Elaine Wyllie MBE] and it proved very popular immediately and lots of schools decided to take part,” he said.

“Lots of early years settings also do it, or a version of it. It has changed over the years and, depending on other activities happening on a particular day, sometimes The Daily Mile isn’t needed every day.”

Mr Williams said The Daily Mile had an “incredibly positive impact” for children.

Pictured: Children were given fruit as part of The Daily Mile celebration activities. 

“It’s a brilliant initiative, not only for the physical health benefits, but there are a number of interesting examples of other benefits,” said Mr Williams.

“It helps children with preparedness for work because it gives them a boost of fresh air. Boys in particular have really benefitted from it; it makes them more focused when they go back to learning.”

The Daily Mile has been extended to the community.

“There are some employers on the island who have picked up on this and allow their employees a chance to take a break and get some fresh air. It is proven that staff work more effectively when they have had this opportunity,” said Mr Williams.

“We have also put out mile markers around the island, for example at Sausmarez Park, to encourage islanders to take part. People’s activity levels are not as high as we would like, so this is a great way to get moving and get some fresh air.”

Pictured: Little Bears Nature Preschool Owner/Manager, Karen Isabelle with Gabriella Brown. 

Eight early years settings attended the event where children walked around the Dorothy Langlois mile-long track followed by other activities including cycling and dancing.

Little Bears Nature Preschool Owner/Manager, Karen Isabelle, said she has seen the benefit of the children taking part in the scheme.

“Once we have done our exercise the children are definitely more settled, happier and are always smiling,” she said.

Pictured: Be Active Education Lead, Alun Williams, said The Daily Mile is a "brilliant initiative". 

Ms Isabelle continued: “It’s something we can do with them that’s free and good for them. We actively encourage the children to exercise and we are role models for that, for example the staff cycle to work. We also talk to families about the benefits of active travel and encourage it to and from the school.”

Three-year-old Gabriella Brown was taking part in yesterday’s activities.

“I like doing the exercises and eating apples because it keeps us healthy and fit,” she said.

Pictured: Children from Little Learners Day Nursery took part in the activities.