Belgian primary schools alter hours amid traffic plan and heatwave closures

Parents of the Klimop primary school in Bonheiden have demanded a meeting with the school board over a proposed change to the school day that would end earlier on most days and later on Wednesdays. The adjustment is intended to alleviate traffic congestion in the town centre, but parents say they were not consulted and question the measure’s effectiveness. One parent said, "Voor veel gezinnen betekent dit een ingrijpende wijziging," and noted that municipal schools in the area are not changing their hours.

Meanwhile, Vrije Basisschool De Biekorf in Houtem near Vilvoorde temporarily suspended afternoon classes after classroom temperatures rose to 38 °C. Director Katelijne De Keye explained, "Dan weet je dat het niet meer haalbaar is, niet voor de kinderen en ook niet voor de leerkrachten," and ordered closures for the remainder of the week to protect students’ health, with alternative arrangements such as outdoor lessons and use of a nearby sports hall.

Both schools are responding to external pressures—traffic safety concerns and an unprecedented heatwave—by adjusting schedules to safeguard students and staff.