The “Smallest School in Flemish Brabant” Is Nearly Full as Parents Choose Its Family Atmosphere

Puur Natuur in Sint-Laureins-Berchem may be one of the smallest schools in Flemish Brabant, but space there is becoming scarce. Several classes are already full, with only a few places remaining.

The school will start the year with 11 children in its reception class, which is expected to be full by June. It can accommodate 40 kindergarten pupils. One place remains in the first kindergarten class and one in the second, while the third class has no vacancies.

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We are still a small-scale school.

Teacher Anke Debraekeleer says families deliberately choose the school’s small scale and personal approach. “People really come for our vision. They want that family feeling and personal contact. Here, everyone knows each other.”

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People really come for our vision. They want that family feeling and personal contact. Here, everyone knows each other.

Childcare takes place on the school premises from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing children to remain with the staff they know. The school also offers hot meals, a service Debraekeleer says families greatly appreciate.

The small school has two kindergarten teachers, two care teachers, a physical education teacher, a childcare worker and a staff member who prepares the meals. Debraekeleer, who has worked there for about 23 years, says the community extends beyond the school, with parents meeting outside school for sports and other activities.

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We can still offer hot meals here and that is still a great success. People appreciate it enormously.