Full findings have been published here
We explored whether whole-school experiences of The Daily Mile school initiative were related to how it was delivered, examine the association between The Daily Mile and the cardiorespiratory fitness in children from high and low socio-economic groups.
Analysis of children’s 20m shuttle run test scores before and after implementing The Daily Mile showed equal increases in the fitness of children from high and low socio-economic groups. Importantly, we conducted focus groups with pupils and interviews with teachers and headteachers, and developed five recommendations based on their experiences to inform future implementation and sustainability of The Daily Mile:
• Flexible, adaptable implementation incorporating pupil feedback
• Delivered during curriculum time (excluding Physical Education) or as an afternoon playtime (not replacing current play provision)
• Encouraging individual competition through personal goal setting (incorporated into curriculum work)
• Active involvement and participation of teachers and staff
• Whole-school and wider community support, engaging with parents, community stakeholders and local sporting role models