Written evidence from Ms Marcia Steele (SEN 103)

Education Committee

Solving the SEND Crisis

The Benefits of a Daily Morning Mile for All Children, with a Focus on Children with SEND

Introduction

The implementation of a daily Morning Mile - a 20–30-minute activity where children engage in walking, jogging, or running outdoors for the equivalent of one mile - offers significant benefits for all children, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). For over 30 years, I have taught in a variety of settings including Saturday Schools, independent and state schools. As a qualified teacher, former deputy headteacher, level 2 netball coach, and former childminder, I am and have always been passionate about education and its ability to improve the life chances and health outcomes of children, particularly vulnerable children. Having taught many children with SEND and conducted research, I have seen poor, good and excellent practice. Over the past 10 years, I have personally introduced the Morning Mile in my own and a number of other settings with excellent results, including improved academic attainment. This report explores the physical, emotional, and social benefits of the Morning Mile for children with SEND and makes recommendations for its adoption across all mainstream, independent and specialist schools.

Benefits of the Morning Mile

Physical Health and Wellbeing

Daily physical activity is essential for all children’s health, and the Morning Mile provides an accessible, inclusive opportunity to meet these needs:

• Exercise and Energy Expenditure: For many children with ADHD, early morning exercise allows them to expend excess energy, enabling them to focus better during subsequent classroom activities, such as a 20-minute phonics carpet session.
• Differentiation: The activity is easily adaptable - children and adults can choose to walk, jog, or run, making it suitable for varying fitness levels and abilities.
• Fresh Air and Vitamin D: Outdoor exercise exposes children to fresh air and natural light, which boosts mood and supports physical health, particularly by increasing vitamin D levels.

Emotional and Social Wellbeing

The Morning Mile fosters emotional resilience and social connection:

• Emotional Regulation: Children with SEND, who often experience heightened emotional challenges, benefit from the calming and grounding effects of structured physical activity.
• Opportunities for Connection: Teachers and staff can use the time to identify and engage in informal conversations with children who might need emotional support or reassurance. This is often not possible with a traditional classroom-based start to the day.
• Inclusivity and Community: By involving entire classes or year groups, the Morning Mile promotes a sense of belonging, particularly for SEND children who may otherwise feel excluded. This whole-class approach counters the frequent segregation of SEND pupils, fostering inclusivity and mutual understanding among peers.

Cognitive Benefits

Regular physical activity is linked to improved concentration, behaviour, and academic outcomes:

• Focus and Learning Readiness: Research indicates that physical activity improves cognitive function, enabling children to transition into focused learning sessions more effectively.
• Cross-Curricular Opportunities: During the Morning Mile, children can engage in additional learning by counting, practicing times tables, singing the alphabet, or developing communication skills, reinforcing classroom objectives in a dynamic, engaging way.

Implementation Insights from My Setting

In my experience, the Morning Mile has transformed the school day for both children and staff:

1. Structure and Rules: The activity incorporates simple rules, such as the direction of running, providing structure for children with SEND, who often thrive in predictable environments.
2. High Energy Output: Many PE sessions fail to provide the level of exertion children need, particularly those with ADHD. The Morning Mile addresses this gap by allowing children to run at their own pace, be as loud as they wish, and channel their energy productively.
3. Whole-School Participation: In a small school, I successfully implemented the Morning Mile as a whole-school activity. This approach had a profound impact on the social development of SEND children, fostering friendships and reducing feelings of isolation.

Addressing Inclusivity in Mainstream Schools

Defining Inclusivity in Practice

Inclusivity means creating environments where all children, regardless of ability, feel valued, supported, and able to participate fully. The Morning Mile exemplifies inclusivity by:

• Encouraging participation from all children in the same activity.
• Providing flexible options (walk, jog, run) to accommodate varying physical abilities.
• Breaking down social barriers, enabling SEND children to interact with their peers in a non-competitive, supportive setting.

Improving Inclusivity and Expertise

Mainstream schools can improve inclusivity and expertise by:

1. Training and Professional Development: Providing staff with training on the benefits of physical activity for SEND children and strategies for implementing inclusive practices.
2. Engaging Specialists: Collaborating with SEND coordinators, occupational therapists, and PE specialists to ensure activities meet diverse needs.
3. Adopting Whole-School Approaches: Emphasizing activities like the Morning Mile that naturally include all children and foster a shared sense of purpose.

The Role of the Department for Education (DfE)

The DfE has a crucial role in promoting the Morning Mile and similar initiatives:

• Policy Guidance: Including daily physical activity in statutory guidance for early years and primary settings.
• Funding and Resources: Providing schools with resources to support the implementation of inclusive activities like the Morning Mile.
• Awareness Campaigns: Reviving efforts to encourage the Morning Mile, as previously promoted by the Conservative Party, to ensure its widespread adoption.

Improving Outcomes for Children with SEND

To enhance outcomes for SEND children, schools should:

1. Embed Inclusivity: Incorporate activities like the Morning Mile into daily routines, ensuring all children participate equally.
2. Focus on Early Intervention: Use physical activities as tools to identify and address emotional or behavioural challenges early.
3. Monitor and Evaluate: Track the impact of inclusive practices on behaviour, attendance, and academic outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

Research highlights the benefits of physical activity for children:

• A 2019 study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that 20 minutes of physical activity significantly improved concentration and classroom behavior in children with ADHD.
• The NHS recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily for children, emphasizing the importance of incorporating movement into the school day.
• A 2021 survey by Sport England revealed that active children are happier, more resilient, and more sociable.

Overcoming Reluctance

Despite the clear benefits, many schools and staff are initially hesitant to implement the Morning Mile. This resistance often stems from:

• Concerns about time constraints.
• Lack of understanding of the benefits.
• Reluctance to change established routines.

To address these challenges:

• Demonstrate Impact: Share success stories and data showing improved behaviour, concentration, attainment and attendance.
• Provide Support: Offer training and resources to ease the transition.
• Foster Commitment: Highlight the long-term benefits for both children and staff.

Conclusion

The Morning Mile is a simple, cost-effective strategy that delivers profound benefits for all children, particularly those with SEND. By promoting physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social inclusion, it lays the foundation for improved outcomes both in and beyond the classroom. However, its success relies on the commitment of educators and the support of policymakers.

I urge schools to embrace this daily activity as a cornerstone of their approach to inclusivity and wellbeing. With proper implementation, the Morning Mile can transform the educational experience for countless children, fostering a generation that is healthier, happier, and more engaged in learning.

January 2025