Today we are delighted to publish our 2024 Annual Report. Please click HERE to read our annual report.
A Message From Our CEO & Founder
I am delighted to present our annual report for 2024. At Sensational Kids, we take pride in
being a high-impact organisation, not only in terms of the number of children we reach
but, more importantly, in the profound and meaningful differences we make in their lives.
Highlighting Our Impact
This impact is perhaps best illustrated by a poignant story that reminds us of the life
changing possibilities available through our services. In November 2024, I found myself at
a meeting, seated between two parents of children with additional needs. Their children
shared similar backgrounds: both were non-verbal at a young age and are now older,
seeking secondary school options.
One child had the fortune of receiving therapy at Sensational Kids during his early years
and is now fully verbal and enrolled in a mainstream school. In contrast, the other child
received only four therapy sessions from the HSE in his early years and has had no further
support since. He remains non-verbal, and his parents are facing challenges in finding an
appropriate secondary school placement for him. This experience underscored for me the
significant impact of timely intervention, leading to vastly different outcomes for these two
children.
The Importance of Our Work
As the demand for our services continues to rise, the essential work delivered by the
Sensational Kids team is more crucial than ever. Every child deserves the opportunity to
become the best version of themselves, and timely child development services are key to
achieving this goal.
In 2024, we were grateful for the grant support from The Ireland Funds, which allowed us
to launch autism diagnostic assessments. These assessments are vital for identifying
children’s needs and providing tailored educational support. Without a formal diagnosis,
children may be placed in unsuitable learning environments and feel misunderstood. A
diagnosis is essential for individuals and families to access the necessary support and
services.
Milestones Achieved
Another significant highlight in 2024 was the commencement of construction for phase
one of our National Child Development Centre in Kildare. This cutting-edge facility,
spanning 17,000 square feet on a 2.4-acre greenfield site, will make a substantial
contribution to reducing waiting lists. It will be Ireland’s first purpose-built facility dedicated
to delivering comprehensive diagnostic assessments and therapies for children with
additional needs, including those with neurodivergent profiles. Once completed, the Centre
will fill critical service gaps for children with developmental needs and align with national
and local strategic frameworks, promoting balanced regional development, enhanced
quality of life, and sustainable, decentralised growth.
The National Child Development Centre will offer life-changing therapies for 300 children
each week, targeting 13,000 assessment and therapy appointments annually. This effort
will significantly reduce public waiting lists and provide thousands of families with the
support they desperately need.
Challenges Faced
Unfortunately, construction was halted in October 2024 due to the delay in investor
approvals for committed funding from The Department of Justice. We are actively working
with all stakeholders to find a solution to complete the fit-out, which was impacted by the
closure of their Immigrant Investor program.
Acknowledgments
The meaningful impacts outlined in this report would not be possible without the
dedication and passion of our incredible team at Sensational Kids, along with our funding
partners, voluntary board members, and supporters. I want to express my heartfelt
gratitude to everyone for choosing to make a difference in the lives of children in need
within our communities across Ireland.
Karen Leigh
CEO & Founder
Sensational Kids