A new fitness initiative aimed at primary school children in West Cheshire and designed to improve both their health and performance in the classroom is to get an extra boost through the summer holidays.

Brio Leisure, the community interest company behind leisure and sports venues such as the Northgate Arena and Northwich Memorial Court, is offering free junior memberships at its centres through July and August to the schools in the Daily Mile pilot programme.

Managing director at Brio Leisure, Elly McFahn, said it was the company’s way of maintaining the achievements of the Daily Mile project, which was launched at six schools across West Cheshire in March.

“Daily Mile is a fantastic initiative from a collaboration between Active Cheshire, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the NHS West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group as part of the West Cheshire Way. Even in the short time since its launch there have been positive effects in the pilot schools.

“It’s so important that we support the Daily Mile programme through the long summer school break and give pupils the opportunity to continue to exercise and keep active at Brio centres.

“It’s also an opportunity to give parents and carers a break, or alternatively to join in the activity too,” she said. The offer gives children unlimited swimming and racquet sports at centres across Cheshire West until September.

Brio is also offering older teenage children the opportunity to use Brio Leisure Centres at heavily discounted prices in July and August.

“Creating opportunities for young people to have healthier lifestyles is a key part of our work in the community. The summer offer provides access to Brio facilities to younger children and gives secondary school students access to a full programme of exercise and fitness opportunities including our nine gyms, swim facilities and 300 fitness classes. There’s something for everyone regardless of their current fitness levels or ability,” added Mrs McFahn.

The Daily Mile project aims to get primary pupils out of the classroom and their heart rates pumping for 15 minutes a day. Previous trials have shown the project helps improve children’s fitness levels, concentration and focus in the classroom as well as sleeping and eating patterns.

Hayley Martin, a teacher at one of the pilot schools, Horn’s Mill Primary in Helsby, said: “It’s been really positive. When pupils come back they’ve blown off a bit of steam, cleared their mind and then they are back in ready to do what’s asked of them.”

Upton Heath C of E Primary, Shocklach Oviatt CE Primary, Clutton C of E Primary, Rossmore Primary in Little Sutton and Brookside Primary in Ellesmere Port are the other schools taking part.

Jane Hopkins, headteacher at Shocklach Oviatt CE Primary School, said: “This has proven to be a wonderful and really popular initiative for our school family. The Daily Mile has really improved our children’s fitness levels and when they head back to the classroom, they are happy, pink cheeked and refreshed.

“The children are ready to start learning again with a renewed vigour and higher concentration levels. It’s such a simple thing to do yet it is having an amazing impact.

“The children love having the opportunity to run or walk whilst chatting with friends. At times, our whole school run together and it’s lovely to see the younger children run alongside the older ones, whilst enjoying a conversation on a range of topics!

“The Daily Mile can happen at any time during the school day and the children love the element of surprise. It keeps it fun and keeps it fresh.”

Alison Lee, chief executive officer of NHS West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of our children and young people and promoting a healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone of the West Cheshire Way’s Starting Well programme. The West Cheshire Way is centred around promoting self-care and empowering people of all ages to take the right steps to take more control of their own health and wellbeing.”

Active Cheshire strategic lead for education Duncan Setterington said it was a “simple and effective programme” that was improving children’s health and wellbeing for the rest of their lives.

All primary schools across West Cheshire are now being encouraged to join the Daily Mile project.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that all of the borough’s children and young people are as healthy as possible.

“This exciting initiative will help deliver the council’s health strategy by tackling childhood obesity and improving health and wellbeing through physical activity and I am delighted that Brio is joining us in expanding the Daily Mile partnership.”