Daily Mile keeps South Wootton Infants on track

James Wild MP times pupils on their Daily Mile track in visit to South Wootton Infant School

James Wild MP visited South Wootton Infant School to meet staff and pupils, see the school's commitment to physical wellbeing and active learning, and discuss how he can support ongoing work.

South Wootton Infant School is a vibrant, nurturing community where children are at the heart of everything. Guided by the motto ‘Smile, Work, Inspire, Succeed!’, the school fosters a caring and joyful environment that supports every child's growth. Its strong relationships with families and dedicated pastoral care ensure pupils feel safe, valued, and ready to thrive.

James was welcomed by Head of School, Rebecca Burt, and members of the school council, who led him on a tour of their school. He visited classrooms where lessons in phonics, dance, music, and PE were underway and spoke with pupils about school life and what they enjoy most about learning at South Wootton.

Outside, pupils showed James their Daily Mile track which has been introduced to promote physical health and wellbeing. Owing to its popularity, the school has since added a built-in stopwatch for pupils to time their runs and James joined in by timing them on a lap as he heard from Mrs Burt how the initiative has helped children return to class more focused and ready to learn.

Back indoors, he took part in an interactive maths lesson before concluding his tour in the hall, where artists have worked with pupils to create a vibrant mural of a river flowing through the seasons featuring unique contributions from each child in the school.

In a later discussion with Mrs Burt, James explored the broader challenges facing the school, including funding pressures and pupil intakes. He also heard more about the school's recent federation with South Wootton Junior School, which has created seamless transitions and consistent support throughout pupils' early education.

Speaking after the visit, James Wild MP said:

"I was delighted to spend time at South Wootton Infant School meeting staff and pupils across the school. As a runner, timing the pupils on their Daily Mile track was great fun, and illustrated the school’s thoughtful approach to encouraging physical activity. I was impressed to hear how it has been helping them return to class more focussed and ready to learn.

“That same sense of energy and care carries through the classrooms, where the broad curriculum and the buzz of each lesson reflect the dedication of Mrs Burt and her team in supporting every child's development. I look forward to continuing to support the school as it builds on this good work and creates even more opportunities for its pupils."

Head of School, Rebecca Burt, said:

"I started my career here as a newly qualified teacher 26 years ago. Although there have been changes along the way, one thing that hasn't changed is the staff and children's passion for learning. South Wootton Infant School has such a family feel that it is lovely to see pupils returning to the school wanting their own children to be educated here."

One pupil shared their thoughts, saying:

"South Wootton School is the best place ever, I like coming back after a holiday”.

Another said:

"We love our new play equipment the PTFA bought for us”.

Others said:

"The grown ups help us be happy when we are sad."