'Play Matters: Cardboard Box Day'
10 July
Supporting Children to have the best start in life, through play
Play Matters: Cardboard Box Day is a national initiative designed to celebrate the power of simple, child-led play in the early years.
On 10 July 2026, early years settings, schools, and families are invited to come together to explore how everyday materials, such as cardboard boxes, can unlock creativity, communication, and collaboration in young children.
Why this matters
The early years are a critical time for children’s development. Research and policy consistently highlight the importance of: • High-quality interactions • Language-rich environments • Opportunities for creativity and problem-solving • Strong personal, social and emotional development
Play provides the foundation for all of these.
Cardboard Box Day offers a practical and accessible way to bring these elements to life, supporting children’s development across the Early Years Foundation Stage.
A simple idea with powerful impact
By using open-ended materials like cardboard boxes, children are able to:
Develop communication and language through shared play
Explore ideas, take risks, and solve problems
Build relationships and confidence
Engage in sustained, meaningful learning experiences.
These are the building blocks of school readiness and lifelong learning.
Accessible for every setting
One of the strengths of Cardboard Box Day is its accessibility
• No additional funding required • No specialist resources needed • Easily adaptable across all early years contexts
Settings are encouraged to source boxes by:
• Asking local supermarkets or businesses • Inviting parents and carers to contribute • Reusing packaging already within the setting
This ensures that all children, regardless of context, can take part.
Aligned with national priorities
Cardboard Box Day supports key national priorities, including:
Giving children the best start in life
Promoting communication and language development
Supporting personal, social and emotional wellbeing
Encouraging high-quality early years practice
It demonstrates how simple, evidence-informed approaches can have a meaningful impact on children’s outcomes.
Working together
This initiative is an opportunity for: • Early years practitioners and Nannie’s • School early years settings and KS1 • Families • Policy and sector leaders, colleges and universities To come together around a shared commitment to children’s development and wellbeing.
Join us!
We invite settings across the country to take part on 10 July 2026 and share their experiences.
Together, we can celebrate the value of play and highlight the incredible learning that happens when children are given time, space, and simple resources.
A box. A child. A world of possibilities.
Resources
Below is a pre-written letter template, a WhatsApp/social media/newsletter communication and an promotional poster which you can add your logo too.
Letter Template
Copy and paste onto your own letter head.
[Click on the image to open an MS Word template]
WhatsApp/newsletter/social Communications
'We need your help!
We’re taking part in Play Matters: Cardboard Box Day on 10 July 2026 🎉
This is a special day all about simple, child-led play using… cardboard boxes! You’d be amazed what children can create with a little imagination ✨
If you have any spare boxes at home (big or small), please bring them in over the next few weeks.
Thank you for your support 💛
A box. A child. A world of possibilities.
#PlayMattersBoxDay'
Promotional Poster
Please feel free to use the promotional poster to advertise the Cardboard Box Day event.
[Click on the image to open a pdf of the poster]
