Belgium, Brussels
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The BISB Learning Principles emphasise personal, social and emotional development as a core part of learning. Learning is collaborative and social, nurtured through respectful relationships and open communication. Learning is creative, contextual and authentic, and is tailored to each child within a caring and supportive environment. Personal, Social and Emotional Development is one of the seven key areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The school offers extra pastoral support for pupils with SEN, disabilities or health issues. The policy recognises that SEN pupils can face additional safeguarding challenges and outlines additional support. The school provides pastoral resources to support these pupils and aims to ensure inclusive access.
The school teaches in English. Taught in English, it also offers specialist support for non-English speakers. French is taught from Reception to Year 6. The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum.
Pastoral care supports student wellbeing. The Head of Pastoral Care serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Safeguarding and wellbeing are supported by staff training on safeguarding and online safety. The school emphasizes developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
The BISB Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy was ratified on 21 February 2024 and next review is due by February 2026. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs. Alison Davies (Head of Pastoral Care) and the Deputy DSL is Mrs. Jane Still; the Designated Governor for Safeguarding is Mrs. Helen Prescott. Local safeguarding partners include SOS Enfants and Schaerbeek Police. The policy covers online safety, reporting procedures, and safeguarding for pupils with SEN or health issues.
The British International School of Brussels offers a British Curriculum for children aged 3–11. The campus comprises two buildings: the Emile Max Infant Department (ages 3–7) and the Avenue Emeraude Junior Department (ages 7–11). Pre-Nursery to Reception form the Early Years Foundation Stage; from Reception onward, four French lessons per week are incorporated. The Primary years are organized into Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2, ages 5–7) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6, ages 7–11). Instruction is in English, with French taught from Reception to Year 6 and specialist support available for non-English speakers. The school is located centrally in Brussels, between NATO and the European Commission. Facilities include two well-stocked libraries used weekly, a broad sports programme with swimming and tennis, and an outdoor education offering orienteering, archery and hiking. Debating, drama and cinema sessions, plus specialist music support, enrich the arts, alongside global education initiatives with university partnerships.