Help! How to register my DD?

[belgiumbound14]

Hello Mumsnet!

Thanks in advance for your invaluable information!

My DH and I are planning a move to Brussels by the end of the summer! We have two children, DD-6 and entering P1, and DS-2.5 and entering maternelle.

We just found out about the specifics of his contract last week--I have called and emailed over a dozen communal schools in WSL, WSP, Wez-Opem areas and everyone seems to be on vacation! One bilingual school
BICS is open and we have spoken to them. However, ideally, we do not want to pay for school for 2 reasons: one, local schools I heard were better and two, our budget would be too tight.

I realize registering the kids finished months ago! Any advice on how to register them in any local school before the start of school? Would it be impossible to get into any of the communal schools? Are we too late? Panicking over here.

Thanks again for any information you may have!

PS what is the BCT?

[belgiumbound14]

We are open to looking at other communes like Watermael-Boitsfort, Etterbeek, Ixelles. We prefer French speaking communes.

Once again, thank you!

[GrainDeMalice]

I sent you a PM

[IdealistAndProudOfIt]

I'm in Belgium but not Brussels so not really to sure about that, sorry... but the BCT is the Brussels Childbirth Trust (bctbelgium.org) and they exist to give english-language information and help to foreigners in Belgium about everything around childbirth and having kids. Unsurprisingly they have a big presence in Brussels and have lots of social groups and events. I'd definitely recommend joining for at least the first year, to help make new friends and get access to information. The only trouble at the moment is they only accept membership fees by paypal but if you're ok with that, try them.

[IdealistAndProudOfIt]

ps they should know all about the brussels school situation, give them a ring.

[belgiumbound14]

Thanks so much for this info!