Government can show its ‘Corporate Social Responsibility‘ by committing adequate resources to childrens’ physical and mental well-being early on in life. Making sure children achieve good grades in school life is undoubtedly important but it should not come at all costs. I would therefore implore the Education Minister, Senator Tracy Vallois to work with me to deliver at least one hour of active play and/or physical education in the curriculum each day to allow children the opportunity to not only be more active but also be more alert when they are learning in the classroom.


I was fortunate recently to meet Elaine Wylie MBE, who founded the ‘Daily Mile’ when she was head teacher at a primary


school in Scotland. Mrs Wylie came up with the idea of getting children out of the classroom for 15 minutes every day to walk or jog at their own pace. Since its inception 3,600 schools in 30 countries have taken up the idea. This could and should be incorporated into my suggestion of one hour of exercise a day for every Jersey student. The physical benefits are beyond doubt but the Daily Mile has also been shown to improve both concentration in the classroom and social skills.


In conclusion, two hours of physical exercise every week in schools is simply not enough if we are going to give our children the best start in life. If we are going to win the battle against childhood obesity and


mental ill health, we have to move forward and find time in a school day for at least one hour of physical exercise, be it through sport, the Daily Mile or other forms of active play.


Sometimes the answers stare us in the face but we are often too intransigent or too scared to change. If like the private sector, the States were to meet their ‘Corporate Social Responsibilities’ and act as a true corporate parent to local children, then we have to be open-minded about change. Jersey is a great place with a wonderful environment, but if we are all to benefit from what is on offer, then the place to start is to ensure that all children in Jersey really do get the best start in life.


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