Kildare charity publishes ‘Sensational’ report for 2025
Children enjoying the facilities at Sensational Kids
SENSATIONAL Kids – the children’s charity on Melitta Road, Kildare town- has published its 2025 Impact Report, revealing a record 26,536 therapy hours, 7,965 appointments and assessments, and nearly 1,000 children supported across its four National Child Development Centres in Kildare, Cork, Monaghan and Mayo.
The award winning charity delivers “affordable, accessible developmental therapies for children and adolescents with additional needs”, according to Karen Leigh, founder and CEO of Sensational Kids.
“With long waiting lists holding children back, Sensational Kids is filling a critical national gap — relying on public support, philanthropy, and earned income to keep essential therapy accessible and affordable for families,” she said.
“Our results show the life changing impact that timely and accessible intervention can have.
“Every therapy hour represents a child gaining confidence, developing new skills, or overcoming challenges — and the trust families place in our team every single day.”
Throughout 2025 Sensational Kids has provided for 3,203 occupational therapy appointments, 1,924 speech and language therapy appointments, 822 parent consultations, 182 educational psychology assessments, saving families a total €809,310 through it subsidised services.
Further insights from the 2025 Clinical Services Survey show strong outcomes where more than three-quarters (76.6 per cent) of families were very satisfied with services, while almost all (96.88 per cent) felt their child’s needs were clearly understood and addressed.
Nearly two thirds reported significant developmental progress, and 83.1 per cent rated therapist professionalism as “excellent”.
“Families share with us every day how therapy has opened new possibilities for their child — first words spoken, confidence blossoming, milestones once out of reach becoming part of everyday life,” said Ms Leigh.
“Hearing their stories is profoundly moving, and remind us why our work matters.
“Sensational Kids is deeply committed to providing family centred support that helps children grow, thrive, and discover their full potential.”
The report also highlights powerful family stories that illustrate the difference timely therapy can make.
This level of service was only possible thanks to the generosity of donors, businesses, schools, and community groups who supported Sensational Kids throughout 2025.
