News

09/07/2026 00:00, In Blog /

Welsh Athletics had the pleasure of visiting Ty Dysgu and Ysgol Bro Sannan to join in their Daily Miles in celebration of their London Marathon Foundation funded Active Playgrounds. The active playground markings enable more children to participate in activities such as The Daily Mile, Mini London Marathon in schools and active lessons and breaktimes, inspiring movement throughout the school day leading to increased levels of physical activity.

Through partnership with London Marathon Foundation, Welsh Athletics worked with local partners to identify schools who were invited to express their interest in the initiative. Insight and knowledge from local partners facilitated the identification of eligible schools; huge thanks to Lisa Young, Community Focussed Schools Manager, for her engagement and enthusiasm throughout the process! It was lovely to have Lisa celebrate with us at Ty Dysgu.

Lisa Young, CFS Merthyr:

When the opportunity arose to identify schools that would benefit from this funding, I immediately thought of Ty Dysgu. Although it has a small number of pupils, each one has complex needs and can benefit enormously from opportunities that support their wellbeing, confidence and engagement.

I recognised that this funding had the potential to make a meaningful difference to the pupils' experiences and to provide opportunities that may not otherwise have been available. It was important to me that the funding reached a setting where it could have the greatest impact, rather than simply the largest number of learners.

Allison Howells, Deputy Head Ty Dysgu:

The active playground markings have provided us with many more opportunities to promote physical activity throughout the school day. Our pupils have a wide range of additional learning needs, and the markings have encouraged greater participation in movement and exercise.

Pupils complete the Daily Mile walk using the track, and it is also used for bikes and scooters to develop physical skills, coordination, and confidence. In addition, the track has supported a variety of fundraising events, providing an inclusive space for sponsored walks and other activities that engage the whole school community.

Overall, the playground markings have had a positive impact on pupils' physical wellbeing, participation, and enjoyment of outdoor activities.

Mrs. Francis. Ysgol Bro Sannan:

It’s lovely to see the positive impact it’s had on the children who aren’t your typical sporty kids- they’re the ones who are asking when The Daily Mile is and can we go out again! It’s really nice to see them having the opportunity to get healthy and enjoy exercise with their friends. We always do our Daily Mile in the afternoon, when they come back in they seem more ready, they’ve burnt off energy and they’re more settled.

Cath Bingham, Welsh Athletics:

It was a pleasure to visit Ty Dysgu and Ysgol Bro Sannan to celebrate the completion of their LMF funded Active Playgrounds. My thanks to all staff and pupils for their very warm welcome and enthusiastic daily mile participation! More great examples of embedding simple, regular movement into the school day to improve the health and wellbeing of our children in Wales.

Pupils, Ty Dysgu & Ysgol Bro Sannan:

Wow it’s so cool I love it, I enjoy running around it, it makes me fitter.

This is my happy place.

It’s makes me feel awake and ready for the next lesson.

As the implementation partner of The Daily Mile in Wales, Welsh Athletics is committed to playing its role in providing opportunities for all, ensuring that every young person has a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. The Daily Mile is a key programme for Welsh Athletics; it is an inclusive, accessible, free physical activity initiative which improves physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing in schools. 700 schools and SEN settings (54%) are registered to The Daily Mile in Wales. We will continue to work with local and national partners to ensure that The Daily Mile becomes part of the school day in every school across Wales, building healthy habits for lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

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