Sensational Kids is proud to announce the commencement of construction at its National Child Development Centre in Kildare Town. Aptly titled “We Have Lift Off,” the groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in the organisation’s journey to expand its services and reach more children in need.
[PICTURED: Flynn, eml architects and Sensational Kids]
The National Child Development Centre, a cutting-edge facility spanning 17,000 sq ft on a 2.4-acre greenfield site just off the M7 motorway, is expertly designed by eml architects to meet the evolving needs of children and adolescents supported by Sensational Kids. The project is being spearheaded by Flynn, ensuring the highest standards of construction.
[PICTURED: Flynn, eml architects and Sensational Kids]
Michael Landers, Managing Director of eml architects, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “eml architects are delighted to collaborate with Sensational Kids on their new Headquarters. The building will create a Centre of Excellence for Sensational Kids to provide services to the highest level. It will be an exemplar in the provision of therapeutic supports to children, as well as being fun and uplifting for staff, and visitors. It is of significant design quality to reflect the high-profile nature of the site as a Gateway to Kildare town. We look forward to realising the project with the entire Team”.
Mick Flynn, Chief Operating Officer of Flynn, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We at Flynn are delighted to be partnering with Sensational Kids on this groundbreaking project. Knowing that our work will directly contribute to improving the lives of so many children is incredibly rewarding. We look forward to delivering a facility that meets the highest standards and fulfils the unique needs of Sensational Kids and the children they serve”.
Key features of the new centre include 11 Therapy Rooms, 4 Sensory Motor Therapy Gyms, a Sensory Room, Therapeutic Kitchen, Training Rooms, Play, Develop & Learn Store, Therapeutic Playground, and Sensory Gardens.
Karen Leigh, CEO and Founder of Sensational Kids, shared her vision for the future, stating, “Sensational Kids was founded by parents with a vision for a better future for children with additional needs who need therapy supports, to help them reach their potential. It has been our privilege to support over 10,000 children since we first opened our first child development centre in Kildare Town 16 years ago.
Just like the children we have supported are growing, so has the demand for our services grown, along with our vision for how best to support our families and children. We are now embarking on our most ambitious project to date; to build a flagship National Child Development Centre, to change the lives of 30,000 children over the next 10 years. We are doing this because we believe that access to essential therapies like speech & language therapy and occupational therapy are a fundamental right and should not be a privilege denied to many or something that families must fight for. We also believe in providing children with a fun therapeutic environment that is designed and equipped to help them achieve success.”
The new centre aims to support over 300 children per week, providing 13,000 therapy sessions annually for children in need. Additionally, it will equip thousands of parents, teachers, SNAs, and clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to better support the children in their care.
Addressing the demand, Sensational Kids remains committed to its mission of making developmental assessments and therapies accessible to all, ensuring that no child is left behind. The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant step towards fulfilling this commitment and expanding their reach to positively impact the lives of even more children.
With the National Child Development Centre currently 60% funded, Sensational Kids is calling for donations to complete this transformative project. The centre offers an incredible opportunity for strategic, tangible giving that will deliver long-lasting impacts for thousands of children and families for many years to come.
For corporate sponsorships, partnerships, or individual donations, please contact Karen Leigh directly at Karen@sensationalkids.ie. Donations can also be made online here: https://www.sensationalkids.ie/childdevelopmentcentre/
For media inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Lonergan, Marketing Manager, Sensational Kids. Jennifer@sensationalkids.ie 086 1361549
About Sensational Kids
Sensational Kids is a social enterprise and charity founded in 2007, dedicated to providing affordable and accessible developmental assessments and therapies to children and adolescents with additional needs. The organisation currently operates Child Development Centres in Kildare, Cork, Mayo, and Monaghan.
Website: www.sensationalkids.ie