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Politicians Visit Schools Across Wales to Take Part in The Daily Mile

21/01/2025 00:00, In Blog /
The Daily Mile is a simple, free and easy to execute solution to improve children’s health and wellbeing in schools.
Benefits include:
- Free – No cost to schools and no kit requirement for children.
- Inclusive – Children set their own pace to walk, run or wheel.
- Accessible – No special training is required.
- Proven – Academic research has shown benefits to mental and physical health.
The Daily Mile is an excellent tool for complementing health and well-being, and building a culture of physical activity in schools can support improved learning. The evidence shows that if some children are not offered these opportunities during the school day, they may not have the opportunity at all.
We are thrilled with the widespread participation in The Daily Mile across Wales, with 641 schools and education settings (49%) already registered and represented in all local authority regions. To build on the success so far, we asked for political support to help engage and raise awareness of the impact The Daily Mile can have on improved physical, mental and social health.
In partnership with The Daily Mile Foundation, last year we facilitated politicians’ visits to Daily Mile schools. We encouraged their active participation alongside children to witness firsthand the impact of The Daily Mile, enabling direct engagement with children, staff and school leadership.
Cath Bingham, Young Person’s Physical Activity Officer at Run Wales said:
It has been inspirational and motivating seeing our politicians join in with staff and children for their Daily Mile. The joy is contagious, and the sense of community created through this programme is profound. Its’ simplicity and efficiency have impressed our politicians, leading to further interest and enquiries around the initiative. We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful Welsh Daily Mile schools for facilitating our visits.
The Daily Mile has been a great success in schools because it is simple, inclusive, and integrated into school hours, reaching children who may otherwise lack opportunities for regular exercise. Backed by research, it aligns with the Welsh Government’s “Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales” strategy, particularly under the commitment to provide “fun programmes to encourage eating well, sitting less and moving more”. It is also shown to help reduce childhood obesity and foster healthier attitudes toward exercise.
John Griffiths MS visited Rogiet Primary School in Newport and after his visit, he shared:
It is a simple and inclusive initiative to improve children’s health and wellbeing in school, while helping build healthy habits from a young age. Fantastic to see it working so effectively in this school.
The Daily Mile works with partners to raise awareness of the vital link between regular physical activity and positive mental health outcomes for children and young people. Research and feedback from teachers indicate that The Daily Mile supports mental health by helping children focus and be prepared to learn. This focus on wellbeing aligns with the Welsh Government’s Healthier Wales goal, promoting long-term positive behavioural change.
John Griffiths MS running the Daily Mile with children from Rogiet Primary School.
Ken Skates MS visited Maes Y Llan Primary in Wrexham and said:
The scheme’s success is rooted in its simplicity – 15 minutes of concentrated physical activity at the children’s own pace with their friends in the fresh air. It was brilliant to see them in action, and it’s clear it’s an important part of their routine and something that they enjoy doing. Welsh Ministers have previously called on more schools to sign up, and after seeing it in action first-hand that’s something I would wholeheartedly support.
Ken Skates MS smiling with Maes Y Llan Primary on his visit.
Recent Politician Visits
Politician |
Daily Mile School |
Local Authority |
Tonia Antoniazzi MP |
Knelston Primary |
Swansea |
Buffy Williams MS |
Hafod Primary |
Rhondda Cynon Taf |
Ken Skates MS |
Maes Y Llan Primary |
Wrexham |
Rhianon Passmore MS |
Trinant Primary |
Caerphilly |
Huw Irranca-Davies MS |
Brynmenyn Primary |
Bridgend |
Vikki Howells MS |
Darrenlas Primary |
Rhondda Cynon Taf |
John Griffiths MS |
Rogiet Primary |
Newport |
Heledd Fychan MS |
Trallwng infants |
Rhondda Cynon Taf |
Next Steps
The ambition for The Daily Mile in Wales is to achieve full participation, with 100% of primary schools engaging in the program to promote children’s health and wellbeing. Building on its current success, the model aims to expand its national and local partnerships across health, education and research ensuring sustainable support for schools. By promoting the benefits of regular physical activity, The Daily Mile strives to create a culture shift where daily physical activity becomes a foundational aspect of every Welsh school’s curriculum.
We look forward to continued engagement and interest from our politicians in Wales during the Spring term. Together, we can further the impact of The Daily Mile and promote a culture of daily physical activity across schools and educational settings in Wales.
If you would like to join the movement, you can find out more here: Join The Movement | The Daily Mile UK or contact Cath for more information: cath.bingham@runwales.org.uk