FAQ

Below are several questions that we have been asked about The Daily Mile, along with our answers. We hope you find them useful and that they help you get the most out of The Daily Mile.

FAQ

  • Even with limited space, most schools and nurseries have plenty of outdoor areas for children to get moving. The Daily Mile doesn’t have to be a mile in distance and doesn’t need a large space—it’s all about keeping children active, no matter what’s available! Multiple laps of a small space give children more opportunities to interact as they take part. Some schools and nurseries even choose to do The Daily Mile off-site if that works better for them.

  • No, The Daily Mile is non-competitive by design. Once children start moving, there’s no leader, helping to remove the pressure of feeling behind. However, if desired, children can count their laps, providing an opportunity to monitor their personal bests without discouraging others. Some schools even choose to track the total laps as a class or school, linking it to subjects like math or geography.

  • All children can take part, regardless of age, ability, or circumstances. They have a shared, social experience and enjoy the benefits of being active together. Because it’s not a race, no-one loses, and all children succeed. Children with complex needs can be supported to take part, with adaptations to ensure it's right for the child.
    What counts is not the distance they do but the fact that children all participate in 15 minutes of daily physical activity outside together. 

  • The Daily Mile is not PE or sport; it’s ideally supplementary to any physical activity or play a child would normally get during the school day —an extra 15-minute brain boost—contributing to the World Health Organization’s recommended 60 active minutes each day. It’s physical activity in a social setting, with an emphasis on fun and inclusivity. It helps improve children’s stamina and well-being, supporting their participation in PE and sport, and enhancing their ability in both.

  • The Daily Mile doesn’t require equipment, but like any initiative, it can be refreshed with child pleasing ideas to keep the momentum going. You can try things like adding music, linking it to the curriculum, changing the route, or inviting parents to join in. These are just a few simple ideas that have worked for other schools, and you can also explore our resources for more suggestions.

  • We know the demands of the curriculum, so The Daily Mile can be done whenever it fits your class schedule—whether as a morning boost, a mid-day refocus, or an afternoon wind-down. It’s designed to be quick and simple with minimum fuss and maximum impact, helping children get more from the time spent in the classroom.

  • Keep it simple and fun! Our ‘Getting Started’ page has top tips to help you get going, but remember—there's no one-size-fits-all approach. You can adapt The Daily Mile to suit your children in your setting. Multiple laps of any safe playground surface work well, and introducing it as a fun, non-competitive, social time to be outdoors with friends ensures it remains enjoyable and accessible.