AN INFANT school in Stockport is celebrating after winning a top sports award, less than a year after investing in a new running path.
Cheadle Catholic Infant School in Cheadle Hulme was named ‘Smile for a Mile’ School of the Year at the Stockport SHAPES Alliance Awards, in recognition of the school’s commitment to the Daily Mile.
The Daily Mile, which was first introduced at the school less than two years ago, sees children aged from four to seven, as well as their teachers, take 20 minutes out of their classroom learning to complete a walk, jog or run around the recently installed running path.
The school made the decision to use Parent Staff Association funds to invest in an all-weather running path to ensure the children could complete their Daily Mile in all conditions.
Pamela Glynn, Headteacher of Cheadle Catholic Infant School, said: “The Daily Mile, or Smile for a Mile as we call it, has become embedded in our culture and our children absolutely love racing their friends and teachers around the course.
“As well as the physical benefits that come with completing the Daily Mile, we’ve found our children are more attentive in class too.”
While some schools had to put their Smile for a Mile on hold during lockdown, Mrs Glynn encouraged her pupils and their families to continue running.
Mrs Glynn added: “The pandemic and subsequent closure of our school didn’t stop us. As part of our home-schooling commitment we challenged our children and families to take 20 minutes out of their day to complete the mile, with many of our school community posting pictures on our Twitter page with the hashtag, #CCISKeeponRunning.”
The school also took home four other awards, including Commitment to Sporting Competition, Commitment to Participation in PE, Sport and Physical Activity, Commitment to Leadership and Volunteering, as well as Commitment to High Quality PE.
Individual prizes were also awarded to 17 pupils across the school, recognising passion, determination, teamwork, self-belief and outstanding sporting ambassadorship.
Mrs Glynn added: “I am so proud of all of my pupils and their attitude towards physical education.
“Now we have opened our doors for the new term, I am delighted to see them making the most of our running path as they complete their Daily Mile and taking part in their PE lessons.”