Table 3 Summary of TDM as implemented in Lewisham, using the TIDieR-PHP checklist

1. Name

The Daily Mile

The Daily Mile

On occasion other terms used by schools, such as ‘The Daily Run’ or ‘The Daily Stroll and Chat’.

2. Why: logic, mechanisms or goals of intervention

To increase children’s physical, mental, emotional and social health and wellbeing

The public health team, teachers and heads focused on the potential to reduce childhood obesity.

Teachers and heads also emphasised TDM as a potential ‘corrective’ to health disadvantage from deprivation.

3. What materials

Outdoor space, a ‘firm and mud free surface’ and a route that has been risk assessed

No special clothing or equipment needed

Participating schools generally had this, either in playgrounds or nearby parks, but some had very restricted outdoor space, with

physical barriers (such as several flights of stairs; lack of outdoor space).

‘Transitions between class and route should be slick’

Classes must navigate with other classes undertaking TDM, or regular PE, and have to coordinate around these other activities as space is often limited.

4. What and how

TDM aims to include whole classes in a daily run (or jog) (self-paced) for 15 min per day, outdoors, within the school day

Variations in who walked, ran, jogged. Variations in delivery – some classes developed games, which included a mixture of walking, running and sitting at different intervals.

Reductions in TDM time if class curriculum runs overtime.

Not all classes were running a mile (some walked, or engaged in class activities that required some physical movement), and it often did not conform to only 15 min per day.

‘Social, non-competitive, fun’

Many children (and some teachers) introduced elements of competition.

‘They can chat to their friends as they run along enjoying the experience together.’

‘Chatting’ often perceived as a negative by staff and associated with walking: it is often not seen as an activity that is congruent with running and completing the mile and/or increasing fitness/stamina.

5. Who provided the intervention

Head teachers sign up school

TDM requires no particular training, but TDM Foundation website (https://thedailymile.co.uk/) provides information and resources such as promotional material for those signing up

Lewisham public health department provided considerable input, including: organising initial meetings and a schools conference with the TDM founder; 2 surveys to generate interest from schools; regular promotional mailings to schools; ongoing phone calls and visits; providing case study materials; including information with the NCMP letter to schools and information in a school governor pack.

Teachers go out with their class

Teachers did generally go out with their class; some ran, some stood and watched. In general, other class staff (e.g. teaching assistants) did not participate.

6. Where

Primary schools (ages 5–11)

It can also be done in early years settings.

Started in Scotland, now in operation across Europe and beyond.

48% of primary schools in Lewisham had adopted the scheme, and at least one Year 7 class in a secondary school.

Outside in fresh air

Low air quality levels in some areas of Lewisham reduce access to fresh air.

7. When and how often

Everyday (in practice ‘at least 3 times a week’), whatever weather, 15 min

Not every day in most schools/classes. Seen as interchangeable with other physical health interventions adopted within the school; only undertaken on non-PE days in some schools; depends on busy periods. May take longer than 15 min; sometimes less time.

Weather was an inhibitor at times, and TDM not undertaken when considered ‘unsafe’ or too wet.

During curricular time

At times TDM is not implemented as the curriculum for the day is considered ‘too full’.

8. Planned and unplanned variation

Inclusive: all children

All children were included, but there were gender differences in how it was adopted by participating children. Girls observed and reported to be more likely to walk and ‘chat’.

‘keep it simple’

Many teachers initiated games to keep it interesting.