FAQs
BJAB’s academic year runs from the beginning of September to the end of June. During the month of July, we offer summer ‘stages’ or day camps. The school is open at 8 am and closes at 6 pm.
All admissions decisions are at the discretion of the Headteacher. As an international school, we understand that families may move to and from Brussels during the school year; should there be places available in the year group, we can accommodate mid-year admissions. Contact our admissions office for further information.
BJAB can offer a limited amount of financial assistance to those parents who are paying fees privately. The Headteacher is happy to discuss discretionary financial assistance on school fees upon admission.
We have a diverse community at BJAB with pupils speaking over 40 languages, and are happy to provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for pupils not yet familiar with the language. Our Admissions process is designed to provide us an understanding of the English language ability of our pupils. Once at BJAB, a tailored programme will be available to those pupils who require further support to enable them fully to access our curriculum. This would typically include group timetabled lessons focusing on developing language skills with a specialist teacher, in lieu of French language lessons. With our generous class ratios, teachers are able to design subject lessons still accessible to EAL pupils, ensuring a high standard of learning for all.
BJAB supports a handful of SEN (Special Educational Needs) pupils and is able to recommend external consultants to parents to support their child's education. Our trained Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) provide targeted support to bridge gaps in pupil learning. The possibility of 1:1 support can be discussed during the admissions process.
BJAB prides itself on the exceptional quality of our educators. Our team of teachers come from both the UK and around the world, each with a proven track record of success in the classroom. All of our class teachers are UK-qualified and fluent English speakers; many hold advanced degrees.
We employ a rigorous selection process for all our teachers. We believe in continuous professional development for our staff to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest educational ideas and advancements. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils, our teachers undergo rigorous safeguarding and background checks before they are appointed.
We work with a UK-based uniform provider, The School Uniform Specialists. Parents are encouraged to place orders through their online shop. There are many different payment services available and shipping to the school is entirely free of charge. The School Office will notify parents once delivery is received and sorted.
To assist working parents, Garderie is provided on a daily basis from 3.30 – 6.00pm, and on Wednesday afternoons from 2.30pm – 6.00pm. Garderie is overseen by a member of BJAB staff who provides guidance with pupils’ homework. The time for homework runs mainly from 3:30pm – 4:30pm. The cost of the garderie is 5.50 euros per hour or part thereof. Garderie arrangements can be made at the start of each term or on a day-to-day basis. Parents should request that their child attends garderie in person by email or by telephone. If you are late to pick up your child, your child will be sent to Garderie.
We have a variety of after-school activities available. The selection changes each term to allow pupils a variety of experiences.
All children from Year 2 have weekly homework, which is completed entirely online. It has been shown that regular, structured homework has a long-term educational benefit and it is important to encourage this regular approach to homework to develop each child’s self-study skills. Homework at BJAB mostly reinforces in-class learning, however sometimes children will return to previous tasks to maintain the ‘review’ process. Class teachers will advise you on further details about homework in each class.
Morning break
Only fruit and bottled water are permitted for snack time. Parents should provide a morning snack every day.
School lunch
The BJAB provides a hot lunch service in school for the benefit of our pupils on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays. School lunches are made fresh daily on-site by our Catering Manager. An extra daily fee is charged for this service. To minimise administration, we will continue to order meals for your child throughout the school year unless given notice otherwise. The monthly menus can be found on the Parents’ Billboard. Please contact the School Office to order.
Packed lunch
If you do not wish to order a school lunch, please provide a nutritionally balanced lunchtime meal, including water and at least one piece of fruit.
Afternoon snack
An Afternoon snack is only required for pupils in Kindergarten or those attending the Garderie.
Children attending Garderie should be provided with a piece of fruit and a bottle of water or milk. Please be aware that for reasons of health, safety and convenience, glass bottles, canned drinks, sweets, chocolate, chewing gum, biscuits and crisps are NOT allowed.
Party food / birthday treats
There are opportunities for children to enjoy a range of party food and treats on special occasions and children may bring into school birthday cakes to share. Please contact the School Office for further specifications.
Food allergies
For those pupils who have food allergies, parents are asked to provide a suitable alternative which can be kept by the teacher to have as required. BJAB is a nut-free school.
Table manners
All pupils are expected to eat in a mannerly fashion. Parents are requested to prepare their children to use table utensils before arriving in school.
BJAB recommends a private service for those families wishing to arrange transport between home and school. INFINITY is a local transport provider that offers bespoke transport services. Children are picked up from their home and returned at the end of the school day. This service is by prior arrangement only and involves an extra fee. Linda Rosenblum of INFINITY can be reached at [email protected] or 0479 490 941.
The following regulatory requirements apply to all children registered in full-time primary education which at the BJAB is from Reception Class upwards.
Parents are to be in school in line with the scholastic calendar. Families wanting to withdraw their children for any reason other than sickness during the scholastic calendar must formally request in writing permission from the Headteacher.
Pupils are required to be in school punctually, in line with the school’s timetable. Late arrival is recorded formally in the school register and formal reports reflect the attendance and punctuality of pupils.
In the event of illness, the school must be informed as soon as possible by telephone or email. For any absence due to illness for more than 3 days, parents are required to send in a medical certificate. Details of all absences are noted in the school register.
At BJAB, all correspondence with teachers is managed through the School Office to ensure timely responses. Teachers are always available to meet with parents to discuss their child’s progress or any concerns. To request a meeting with your child’s teacher, parents should simply liaise with the School Office who will identify potential dates and times to meet.
