Registration opens before each Sunday service - at 8:35am and 11:15am. When you arrive, please head to the Hope Kids registration desk near the entrance to register your child. You’ll receive a name label for your child and a collection ticket for you to keep. For faster check-in, especially if it’s your first time, it’s a good idea to create a family profile beforehand.

Registration closes 15 minutes after the service starts to help manage safe numbers in each group and avoid disruption. Please aim to register your child before this time so they can join their group smoothly.

Around 20 minutes into the service, a notice will appear on screen to let you know it’s time to take your child to their group. You’ll take your child to their age group room where they will be signed in

Hope Kids groups are arranged by age and school year as follows:

Because groups are organised by age and school year, siblings or children of different ages may be in separate rooms. This ensures activities and teaching are appropriate for each child’s stage of development.

Children move up to the next group each September. Toddlers stay in their group until the September after their third birthday, then move into Early Years until the end of Reception. After that, children move into Years 1–4 and Years 5–6 based on their school year, with all transitions occurring in September.

The Hope Kids curriculum has been written by the team at Hope Church. It focuses on exploring how God’s rescue plan is revealed throughout the entire Bible, with Jesus at the centre of the teaching.

While children are welcome to stay with you during the Sunday gathering, we encourage them to join their age-appropriate groups. These groups offer activities and teaching tailored to their stage of development, making the experience more engaging and accessible. Occasionally, depending on the nature of the sermon, it might not be suitable for children to remain in the main service.

We also have a comfortable lounge on the floor below the auditorium, where you can watch the service on a large screen while your little ones have space to play, explore and be themselves. You're welcome to use it at any point during the service if it would help your family.

Hope Kids areas are secured by an access control system requiring a pass to enter. Entry points are monitored by CCTV. We have trained designated safeguarding officers present on Sundays to provide vigilance and support.

When you first register your child, please share any medical conditions, allergies, or additional needs - whether formally diagnosed or not. This helps us support your child safely and comfortably. Please keep us updated if anything changes. If you’d like to know more about additional support options, including our midweek additional needs group or support WhatsApp group, please ask a team member or email additional.needs@hopeipswich.co.uk.

We understand that sometimes children may become upset or feel unwell during the session. Our team is trained to provide comfort and care, and we have first aid trained staff available to handle minor injuries or health concerns. If your child needs you, their unique number (from the collection ticket you received at registration) will be displayed on screens in the auditorium and around the building. Please keep an eye out for your child’s number and come downstairs promptly if called, so we can support your child quickly and safely.

When the service finishes, please head down to the room where you dropped off your child. You will need to show the collection sticker you received at registration in order to collect them.

Hope Kids is led by a dedicated team of passionate children’s workers. All team members undergo DBS checks and safeguarding training to ensure your child’s safety and well-being.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Hope Kids, please visit the serving page for more details and how to apply.