

Dear Supporters and Friends,
I am happy to introduce our 2024 social impact report. At Sensational Kids, we pride ourselves on being a high impact organisation, both in terms of numbers of children reached, but also more importantly in terms of the breadth and depth of our impact and the deep, meaningful difference made to the lives of children.
Perhaps this is best highlighted in this story, which served as a poignant reminder of the life changing impacts that are often possible. In November this year I was at a meeting sitting between two parents of children with additional needs. Their children shared similar stories. Both children a similar age and non-verbal as young children, they are now older looking for secondary school options. One of these children had been fortunate to benefit from therapies over time at Sensational Kids when they were younger, is now fully verbal, and in mainstream school. The other child received just four therapy sessions from the HSE when he was younger but had no further therapies since then, although a recent webinar was provided to his parents. He is still non-verbal, and the parents are struggling to find a suitable secondary school place for him. This really brought home to me the true impact of timely intervention and how these two children had very different outcomes and futures.
Having been inspired by the needs of children and adolescents, this year, with grant support from The Ireland Funds, we were able to purchase autism diagnostic kits and start a much-needed new service to provide autism diagnostic assessments. This is an important new service, because once children and adolescents can have their individual strengths, learning styles and needs identified, it opens up the doors a range of educational supports that are suited to their needs and strengths to help them reach their potential in education and life.Without a diagnosis, children can be left in unsuitable learning environments and feel misunderstood so getting a diagnosis can often be a relief to the child and family, whilst also providing them with access to further supports and understanding.
None of the deep and meaningful impacts outlined in this report would be possible without the dedication and passion of the amazing team that we are lucky to have at Sensational Kids and without our funding partners, voluntary board members and supporters. I want to thank you all for choosing to make a difference to children in need in our communities across Ireland.
Karen Leigh Founder & CEO
Sensational Kids places a strong emphasis on measuring its impact to ensure the effectiveness of its therapeutic interventions. The organisation employs a comprehensive approach, using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), metrics, surveys, and client feedback to assess and enhance the outcomes of its occupational therapy (OT) and speech and language therapy (SLT) programs.
Therapy Objectives:
Sensational Kids strategically selects KPIs aligned with its therapy objectives to quantitatively gauge the success of its interventions. For OT, objectives include improvements in emotional and sensory regulation, task focus, fine and gross motor skill development, motor planning, and executive function skills. Functional independence skills, such as dressing, feeding, and toileting, are also vital indicators. Meanwhile, for SLT, objectives focus on the development of engagement and communication skills, expansion of vocabulary, enhancement of expressive and receptive language, and the improvement of phonemic awareness and fluency.
Metrics:
In addition to KPIs, Sensational Kids employs specific metrics to measure progress in therapy objectives. Metrics can be tailored to each individual's needs, tracking advancements in sensory regulation, task completion, social skills, and language development. These measurable outcomes serve as benchmarks for both therapists and clients, providing tangible evidence of progress over time.
Surveys:
Annual surveys are conducted to gather valuable insights from clients and their families. These surveys delve into the overall satisfaction with the therapy programs. Feedback from surveys helps Sensational Kids make informed decisions about refining its services and addressing specific needs.
Client Feedback:
Client feedback is a cornerstone of Sensational Kids' approach to measuring impact. Through ongoing communication with clients and their families, therapists gain qualitative insights into the effectiveness of interventions. The feedback loop allows for continuous adjustment of therapy plans, ensuring they are responsive to the unique needs and progress of each individual.
By combining KPIs, metrics, surveys, and client feedback, Sensational Kids establishes a robust framework for assessing the impact of its OT and SLT programs. This commitment to measurement not only ensures accountability and transparency but also drives a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately enhancing the quality of services provided to the community.
We have always known from many testimonials that we significantly change the lives of children To prove these outcomes, in 2021 we set about measuring our clinical outcomes for children over 2 years, using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, (an evidence-based clinical outcome measure) Results were collated via an external and independent review by a therapy company in the USA. Read the full outcome measurement report here.
A change score (the average difference in ratings across time) of about 2 points is considered to reflect clinically meaningful difference – that is, change that would be noticeable and impactful on daily life for a client (Cusick et al., 2007; Law, 2021).
Our average change score for client ratings of goal performance is 3.05 points. These perceived gains are further supported by therapist reports of client changes over the course of treatment, which show a meaningful difference at an average of 3.06 points. Client satisfaction with child performance has also increased over the course of intervention at our child development centres, at an average of 3.21 points per client. Therapist satisfaction changed at an average of 3.15 points per client.
These average ratings are particularly powerful considering they have remained about 3 points over time.
3.05 Change Score
8,278
THERAPY APPOINTMENTS & ASSESSMENTS
1,463
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS SUPPORTED
211320
PARENTS & EDUCATORS ATTENDED WEBINARS & E-LEARNING
PARENTS & EDUCATORS ATTENDED WORKSHOPS
27,083 THERAPY HOURS
4,341 hours
2,708 hours
8,217 hours
11,817 hours
€962,975
190 families paid nothing for services, 16% paid less than the standard subsidised rate per appointment
4 WAYS TO SHOP
42,522
PRODUCTS SOLD
9,539 ORDERS
4 TEAM MEMBERS
Introduction:
The survey covered various aspects, including overall satisfaction, progress assessment, duration of attendance, service utilisation, and administrative support.
1. Overall Satisfaction:
The majority of respondents expressed a very positive experience with the clinical services offered by Sensational Kids, with 75% giving a "Very Positive" rating. Additionally, 18% reported a "Positive" experience, showcasing a high level of satisfaction among the participants.
2. Child's Progress:
Respondents were asked to rate their child's progress, and the results were equally encouraging. A significant 41% reported a "Very Positive" assessment, and 43% expressed a "Positive" evaluation. This reflects positively on the impact our clinical services have on the developmental progress of the children attending Sensational Kids.
3. Centre Attendance:
The survey revealed that the majority of respondents attended the Kildare centre (47%), followed by Clonakilty (23%), Clones (16%), and Claremorris (13%). These statistics highlight the distribution of attendees across different centres.
4. Duration of Attendance:
The majority of respondents (50.86%) have been attending Sensational Kids for less than a year, indicating a consistent influx of new clients. Additionally, 30.17% have been attending for more than a year, showcasing the sustained engagement of a significant portion of our families.
5. Therapy Services Utilisation:
The survey assessed the types of services accessed by respondents, with 59% utilising Occupational Therapy, 28% Speech & Language Therapy, 23% Educational Psychology, and 9% Play Therapy. The diversity in service utilisation reflects the comprehensive range of offerings at Sensational Kids.
6. Administrative Support:
An overwhelming 71% of respondents reported being "Very Satisfied" with the admin support received at their local centre, highlighting the effectiveness of our administrative processes in supporting the overall client experience.
Conclusion:
The 2024 Clinical Service Impact Report demonstrates a consistently high level of satisfaction among respondents, reflecting the positive impact of Sensational Kids' services on both children's progress and overall client experience. The findings will inform ongoing efforts to enhance and expand our services to better meet the needs of our community.
Note: The survey data is based on responses from 139 participants.
<Staff at sensational kids in Kildare are a pleasure to deal with. Always sharing their knowledge and take time to get to know our son=
<Most amazing place for children with complex needs to get therapy=
<Therapist was very helpful and informative, also followed up with childs teacher=
<We feel very fortunate that our child has had the chance to benefit from the excellent services provided and has made great progress!=
<Very good service. credit to all who works in Claremorris from the receptionist to the OT and speech and language therapists=
<All staff very helpful and kind yet professional=
<My child's therapist Orla Grace was exceptional in her care and her understanding of our daughter. She built a great trust immediately which made the whole experience more positive for our child= <Staff very friendly and supportive=
"The staff and therapists are amazing. My two kids have thrived as a result of the interventions they have received. (Cara, Maxine, Naoise, Stephanie and Keziah) And Anne and Kelda are so helpful. I really appreciate all the work that goes on behind it all. Thanks so much"
<You offered a service to our Son that we can never thank you enough for. He's a confident happy young man now. Thanks for caring for him=
<We got a Dyslexia diagnosis for my daughter which is very helpful=
<Lovely staff in Clones, very helpful, understanding, accommodating=
<Great customer service, Ann on reception is an absolute lady=
<Both Therapists and admin team are absolutely outstanding. Exceptionally good at what they do and really do everything they can to support us. Could not be happier with the service=
<My child had a really positive experience as did I from a parental point of view=
<Myself and my daughter were extremely happy with the whole experience. My daughter had a very positive and affirming session, for which we are extremely grateful=
<Great service, made a huge difference in our child life and education to get an assessment and understanding of his needs. He got a dyslexia diagnosis and now is thriving=
<Big help for families who really needed. Great team=
<Orla is an angel ,Michelle and Djola are great to communicate with, stunning at their jobs=
<The therapists are always so lovely and Anne at reception is an absolute gem<
<A great service
our locality!=
During the academic year 2023-2024, the School Based Occupational Therapy Project in West Cork aimed to provide comprehensive support to children through various interventions. This included classroom observations, screening assessments, and recommendations for motor skills, sensory regulation, and emotional strategies. Additionally, workshops were conducted for teachers and parents, and resources were compiled for easy access to developmental activities. Movement pathways and sensory circuits were created in school hallways, and support was offered to children transitioning to secondary school. Despite some discrepancies in planned versus executed activities, the project made significant progress in fulfilling its objectives.
Directly, 127 children and 31 teaching staff benefitted from therapeutic interventions and workshops, resulting in improved skills and classroom engagement. Indirectly, all school children benefited from sensory paths, and parents gained valuable resources through blogs and webinars. The project has also had a significant impact on the organisation, enabling the development of a successful School Based Occupational Therapy service and expansion of support to more children and teachers.
The School Based Occupational Therapy Project in West Cork has demonstrated its effectiveness in providing essential therapy supports to children in school settings. The project has made significant strides in improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of education for children with disabilities. Additionally, it has contributed valuable insights and resources to the wider educational and therapy sector, laying the groundwork for future advocacy and expansion of similar initiatives.
We love working with Karyn, her help, support, enthusiasm and good nature with the children was infectious and her ability to explain and help me as a teacher to help other children was amazing
or E-Learning Course
136 parents and teachers attended our 2024 Handwriting Without Tears workshops. Handwriting Without Tears is a must-do one-day online course for parents, teachers and healthcare professionals working with children to enhance writing skills. The online workshop provides you with the knowledge, skills and materials needed to effectively teach handwriting. The comprehensive, easy-to-use curriculum applies engaging multisensory techniques and research-based methods to make handwriting a natural and automatic skill for children of all ages and abilities.
<Excellent content, excellent teacher, everything broken down and easy to understand. Have learned so much today= L. Gleeson
<Very happy with the workshop, and I’m looking forward to implementing it with my son= M. Siewierska
<Excellent Course. Lots of very good information= A. Hughes
<It was very worthwhile. A lot of information delivered in a very explanatory manner – also very practical= H.O’Connor
<Very enjoyable and lots of learning= S.Hallahan
<Very informative and enjoyable, and plenty of resources, Thank you= B. Belton
<The presenter was excellent!= W O’Donoghue
<Doing this course helps me to see it’s possible for anyone to learn to write easily= M. Caulfield
<Workshop, really, really worthwhile. Tania has super presentation/teaching skills and has experience= A. Donagher
<Excellent speaker and workshop. I know so much going home after this wonderful workshop with Tania= O. Kilcane
<Very practical workshop, Looking forward to putting it into practice. Great resource packs. Wonderful facilitator= E Ni Chatasaigh
I would like to say how wonderful Laura is in Sensational Kids Claremorris. Excellent at her job and a kind soul to match
I would just like to send an email to say thank you to Sheena for the amazing work she has been doing with James since February. I really can’t believe the changes in James since he started OT. James has built a lovely relationship with Sheena and she really is fantasic at what she does. Always willing to go the extra mile, so professional and really cares about the children. big thank you to Loretta and Isabella for being so kind and welcoming every week. It really means a lot.
I’ve always been so impressed with your assistance to our students and I’ve attended a few of your parent talks for assistance with my own children!
You are so incredibly kind. Thank you for being so generous with your time and advice the other day.
Thank you for the prompt completion of the educational psychology report. I truly appreciate your efficiency and help. Your support has changed school life for L. He now runs into school each day and is a happier person.
Thank you very much for the report Maria. I appreciate all your hard work in putting it together. It is comprehensive and informative. Also thank you for making the day of assessment so easy for S, particularly for incorporating treats and goody bag!
<When we first started to attend my son had no words and I didn’t know how to help him=
“ “
Sensational kids is a very warm, calm, welcoming space. When we first started to attend my son had no words and I didn’t know how to help him. His speech therapist suggested he might have a hearing issue and although he had a test before she encouraged a repeat test.
She was indeed right and she literally changed his life. He began to speak the very next day after receiving grommets.
His speech therapist is patient and took time to build trust and a great relationship with my son. At times I felt maybe the sessions would go nowhere and he would never talk but suddenly he began to flourish with a mixture of the foundations she built, the grommets, and the continued therapy sessions.
She has also helped us as parents by giving practical guidance and advice on how to continue the work at home and a year later he is talking, his speech has improved so much, he runs into the building with confidence and great excitement and he continues to improve with every session.
We will forever be thankful to sensational kids for giving our son a voice
<Attending Sensational Kids has improved and enriched Ruairís life immeasurably=
I cannot recommend Sensational Kids highly enough. Our son, Ruairí, has attended occupational therapy for just over 2 years. The care, compassion and dedication shown to him and to us has been exemplary.
Attending Sensational Kids has improved and enriched Ruairí’s life immeasurably.
We are learning how to support him in regulating himself which has allowed him to engage in Attending sensational kids has opened
Fine Motor Skills
Strengthening
Endurance
Dexterity – isolated finger movement
Pre-writing skills
Handwriting
Dressing, buttons, zips, shoelaces
Feeding – managing utensils
Gross Motor Skills
Postural control and core stability
Integrated movement patterns
Transitional movements
Balance and equilibrium
Eye hand coordination
Eye foot coordination
Postural strengthening
Shoulder girdle stability
ADL – development of skill and independence in
Dressing
Feeding
Toileting
Bathing
Grooming
Sleeping Routines
Cognitive skills and executive function
Memory (visual and auditory)
Sequential memory
Working memory
Following of instructions
Impulse control
Focus and concentration.
Task organisation and time
management
Use of cognitive strategies, ie visual schedules, token economies
Social Engagement
Peer engagement skills, ie sharing, waiting, turn-taking
Poorly developed pencil grasp, difficulty with opening snacks and lids on tubs or bottles, threading beads, posting coins, drawing, colouring, cutting, writing letters and numbers, doing buttons and zips, tying shoelaces, using a spoon etc.
Difficulty with climbing, jumping, running, hopping, playing balancing games and ball games, child may have poor endurance, have difficulty sitting up straight at the desk or on the mat, get tired when having to stay in one position for too long or may get tired easily when playing sports games.
May be unable to dress themselves, bathe, brush teeth or toilet independently and may require support that is greater than what is expected for a child of their age.
May have difficulty with task organisation, understanding and following instructions in the classroom, starting and finishing a task on time, difficulty planning what needs to be done and the order in which a task needs to be completed, may be easily distracted and need repeated reminders or prompts, may have difficulty controlling their behaviour.
Difficulty playing games with peers, may become frustrated when they have to wait, may not like to share toys, may have difficulty initiating play effectively, may struggle with winning and losing.
Visual Perceptual Skills
Visual figure ground
Visual discrimination
Visual closure
Visual motor integration
Visual spatial relationships
Position in space
Sensory Processing
Sensory and emotional regulation
Sensory motor based skills – body schema development, bilateral motor coordination, motor planning
Sensory discrimination
Communication
Engagement
Expressive language
Receptive language
AAC: alternative and augmentative communication
Fluency
Voice
Phonemic awareness
Vocabulary Extension
Pragmatic language
Literacy and pre-literacy skills
Mental Health
Stress management.
Relaxation techniques
Coping strategies
Assertiveness
Emotional expression
Cognitive reframing
Problem solving
Self-esteem and self-expression
Trauma processing and resolution
Boundaries
Empathy and perspective taking
Difficulty matching shapes or seeing differences in pictures, struggles with block building and puzzles, difficulty with reading and writing, copying off the board or out of a book, learning how to draw shapes, letters and numbers, may lose their place when copying down information or reading, difficulty organising information on a page, may struggle with consistent letter sizing and spacing when writing.
Meltdowns, distractibility, over-reactivity, avoidance, withdrawal and poor frustration tolerance, delayed acquisition of movement skills, poor coordination (skipping, galloping, riding a bicycle, swimming) difficulty controlling movements and learning new skills.
Difficulty understanding others and following instructions, difficulty making their needs known and expressing themselves, difficulty being understood and speaking clearly, difficulty engaging in reciprocal play and conversations and difficulty interpreting and understanding, body language, facial expressions and the meaning of social communication in context. Increase or sudden onset of challenging or reactive behaviour, changes in sleep patterns or diet, increased restlessness or fidgeting, withdrawal from friends or favourite activities, school refusal, changes in academic performance, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation and energy, increased anxiety or fears that interfere with daily activities. HOW A
One in four children in Ireland has a special educational need. We support children and adolescents including those with developmental delays and diagnosis including:
Autism
ADD/ ADHD
Apraxia of Speech
Dyslexia
Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
Down Syndrome
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome
Intellectual Disability
Sensory Processing Difficulties
Selective Mutism
Stuttering
Speech and Language Delays and Disorders
Mental Health Issues
Pre & Non Verbal Chhildren
At Sensational Kids, we do not require a diagnosis or referral to begin therapy. We work with children of all ages and abilities to support their journeys in education and life.
At Sensational Kids our therapy support team employ the following models of practice
Ayres Sensory Integration
Trauma informed approach
Neuroaffirmative
Perceptual Motor
Sensory Motor
Co-Op The CO-OP approach is a child centred, performance-based, problemsolving approach that enables skill acquisition through the process of strategy use and guided discovery
DIR floortime
SOS Feeding
CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy)
Person centred and trauma informed practice
Demonstrating the depth of the skills and expertise of the therapy supports available from Sensational Kids
Sensational Kids is a national charity and non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of children with additional needs. Founded with a vision to make therapy services accessible to all children, our organisation provides life-changing, timely therapy evidence-based therapies and assessments for children and adolescents who may otherwise face long waiting lists for essential services publicly.
As a non-profit organisation, every service we offer, all donations and every product we sell in our child development store directly supports our mission of making highquality, accessible therapy a reality for all children so that no child is left behind.
No child left waiting
<Access to affordable, timely and impactful therapeutic services for every child and adolescent in Ireland=
Special Interest in Sensory Integration: Our Child Development Centres provide bespoke sensory motor gym facilities to meet the sensory needs of the children we support.
Proven Outcomes: A recent independently evaluated outcome measurement project over two years, demonstrated that children attending therapy services at Sensational Kids achieve outcomes above and beyond what is considered to be clinically meaningful change.
Our Clinical Team: Our clinical team is supported and trained by experts in sensory integration, ensuring that children with sensory needs are receiving evidence-based sensory therapy to Ayres Sensory Integration® international standards.
Affordability and Accessibility: Supported by fundraising and grants we provide high-quality therapy services at significantly reduced costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from receiving the help they need.
Social Enterprise Model: Sensational Kids operates a sustainable, non-profit model, with a unique approach of reinvesting revenue from our shop and services back into the provision of therapy, making it more affordable. There are no shareholders who profit. All revenues are ploughed into our therapy supports for children
Holistic Approach: We offer a range of supports under one roof, from occupational and speech therapy to educational and developmental resources for children with a variety of additional needs.
Family-Centred Care: Our focus extends beyond the child to include empowering and educating families, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to foster development at home.
Nationwide Impact: Sensational Kids has a growing national presence, with Child Development Centres in Kildare, Cork, Mayo, and Monaghan, serving children and families throughout Ireland.
1 2 3 4 Mayo Kildare Monaghan West Cork
1
Sensational Kids, Unit C2 Kildare Business Park, Melitta Road, Kildare Town, R51 WP02
2
Sensational Kids, Lakeside Retail Park, Claremorris, Co Mayo, F12 P2H9
3
Sensational Kids, 2nd Floor, Building G, West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty, Co Cork, P85 VF62
4
Sensational Kids, Unit 8 Clones Business Technology Park, Clones, County Monaghan H23 P294
Sensational Kids specialises in the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based therapies for a wide range of developmental and neurological challenges, including:
Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)
Developmental Delays
Autism
Fragile X Syndrome
Down Syndrome
Genetic Disorders
ADHD and Attention/Focus Differences
Cerebral Palsy
Dyspraxia/Motor Planning Deficits
Vestibular and Balance Disorders
Auditory Processing Disorders
Language Delays
Emotional and Behavioural Challenges
Our team of skilled professionals includes Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Play Therapists and Chartered Educational Psychologists who work collaboratively to create individualised treatment plans for each child. 31
The impact made possible by our community of Sensational supporters is truly extraordinary. We are deeply grateful to the amazing individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations who chose to support Sensational Kids in 2024. Your generosity helped ensure that more children received the life-changing support they deserve.
From Gaelscoil Chill Dara to St. Brigid’s Church, from Whitewater Shopping Centre to The Curragh and Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, and from Barberstown Castle to The Travellers Rest - so many of you gave your time, energy and kindness to support our mission. To the staff at Newbridge Silverware, Weatherbys and Pfizer Newbridge, the Claremorris Community Recreational Centre Committee, PFPM Ltd, Woodford Capital and Permanent TSB - your support is making a real and lasting difference.
We were inspired by those who took on incredible personal challenges to raise funds for Sensational Kids, including Ciara Chappell in the Dublin Marathon, Michael Butler at Ironman Italy, Ciara McNerney with her 100km swim and the super SK staff and friends who did us proud at the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and the Clontarf Half Marathon!
Our sincere thanks to the Hospital Saturday Fund, Community Foundation Ireland, The Ireland Funds, Rethink Ireland, Pobal and the HSE for funding vital services to change children’s lives.
Thank you to everyone who gave a little extra at our Play, Develop & Learn store checkout, supported Early Childhood Ireland’s National Pyjama Day, or made a personal gift for your own special reason.
You are creating brighter futures for children with additional needs. Thank you.
2024 Donors/Fundraisers/Events
Gaelscoil Chill Dara
The Curragh
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
Whitewater Shopping Centre
St. Brigid’s Church
Barberstown Castle
SK Staff & Friends at VHI Women’s Mini Marathon & Clontarf Half Marathon
Ciara Chappell’s Dublin Marathon
Michael Butler’s Ironman Italy
Ciara McNerney’s 100km Swim
Travellers Rest Truck Convoy
Claremorris Community Recreational Centre Committee
PFPM Ltd
Woodford Capital
Permanent TSB
Early Childhood Ireland's National Pyjama Day
Donated via AIB/Payzone
Gave an additional gift at our Play, Develop & Learn store checkout
Our generous individual and monthly donors
Newbridge Silverware Staff & Customers
Pfizer Newbridge Staff
Weatherbys
Sensational Kids Staff, Clients and Friends
Granters/Funders:
Hospital Saturday Fund
Community Foundation Ireland
The Ireland Funds
Rethink Ireland
Pobal
HSE
Kildare
Sensational Kids, Unit C2 Kildare Business Park, Melitta Road, Kildare Town, R51 WP02 045 520900 info@sensationalkids.ie
Mayo
Sensational Kids, Lakeside
Retail Park, Claremorris, Co Mayo, F12 P2H9 094 9357005
claremorris@sensationalkids.ie
Instagram @sensational_kids
Twitter @SenKidsIreland
Sensational Kids, 2nd Floor, Building G, West Cork Technology Park, Clonakilty, Co Cork, P85 VF62 023 887 8208 clonakilty@sensationalkids.ie
Monaghan West Cork
Sensational Kids, Unit 8 Clones Business Technology Park, Clones, County Monaghan H23 P294 047 52671
clones@sensationalkids.ie
Facebook @SensationalKidsIreland