Students at St Ann’s School in Hanwell were treated to an exciting surprise on Friday, 7th March, as Merlin’s Magic Wand, in collaboration with Merlin Entertainments, officially unveiled a brand-new ‘London Under the Sea’ Magic Space.
Designed as a sensory-rich playground, the new space offers students a stimulating and interactive environment, particularly benefiting those with sensory processing challenges. The playground was brought to life through the efforts of 40 corporate volunteers from Merlin Entertainments, who worked over the past year to create this vibrant and engaging space.
Rebecca Hudson Betts, Project Manager at Merlin’s Magic Wand, shared: “We are so proud to be able to offer this London Under the Sea sensory space to the children of St Ann’s School. It’s our mission as a charity to create Merlin themed experiences that spark joy, foster connection and create lasting memories for everyone to enjoy. This project is an example of the magic Merlin can make for children who need it most. We hope the space inspires wonder for every child at St Ann’s!”
The London Under the Sea playground offers a dynamic environment that engages students through a blend of tactile, soothing and ocean-themed features inspired by the city’s unique character. Features include: a London skyscraper sensory seating circle, a Tower Bridge climbing wall, music chimes, a water wall and a London Underground-themed sensory tunnel.
Headteacher Timmy Holdsworth expressed his gratitude for the new addition to the school, saying: “On behalf of everyone at St Ann’s, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Merlin’s Magic Wand and their incredible volunteers for creating our new sensory area.
“This thoughtfully designed space is a transformative gift for our students—a place where learning, exploration and connection with the natural world come alive in vibrant and engaging ways.
“This outdoor learning plays a crucial role in their development, fostering engagement with the natural world in ways that are both stimulating and enriching. At St Ann’s, every moment holds the potential for growth, and this sensory area perfectly aligns with our mission to build positive relationships and empowering futures. This new sensory learning area will truly enhance the young people’s education, providing a vital space to support their physical and emotional well-being. We are excited to see our pupils using this learning area to enhance meaningful outcomes and create countless moments of joy and discovery. Thank you, Merlin, for making this vision a reality—your generosity and dedication are truly inspiring.”
The grand opening was attended by students, families, and representatives from Merlin’s Magic Wand, Merlin Entertainments, and Merlin Magic Making, who gathered to celebrate this special occasion and explore the new playground.
