We live in a villagey/hamlet area. Everyone knows everyone. When DD was 5, and suddenly DS 'appeared', they all knew he was adopted obviously (though I didn't actually make a point of telling them, apart from close friends). He's one year younger than DD.
Recently, he joined the village primary. There used to be two, but it closed down last year, so this is DS (and DD's) first time there. He's being bullied for not having 'real' parents.
Maybe if he was new to the village it would seem more likely, but he's lived here for six years! And it's only now. Even his teachers seem to not mind, I only found out about him being called names, being hit and being teased from DD who 'protected' him. The teachers didn't even tell me! DD is also suffering because some of her friends have joined in, she's obviously got rid of them- but they've been friends for years and it's really hurt her. She's also worried that she'll be bullied too. Thankfully DD will be in secondary next year, but it's still a small school, this school is basically a feeder for that one, so the bullying won't stop- and when she goes, DS will have lost his protector.
I've come back from picking them both up- they were pretending to be ill so that DS could get away from it all. I can't believe the school aren't doing anything. Any advice?
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.
Adoption
DS is being bullied...
offwithyourhead · 09/10/2012 14:25
I don't blame you. Parents are involved? 
Absolutely keep your children off school tomorrow- and tell the school why.
I would think about contacting the LEA also; normally I would only do this if the school fail to address the issue properly, but I think the seriousness of this case warrants external intervention.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. Actually, I am furious on your behalf.
I am friendly with another mum at my child's school, who's son was getting picked on in the playground for being black. When I commiserated with her she said, "It's ok, Devora, he is my fourth child and I know what to do. I sat in the HT's office and told him, 'I've been down this road before. You need to know this: I will NOT sit back and accept your inaction on this. I will be back in this office again and again and again - every day if necessary - until you decide to take action. So why don't we save ourselves the grief and move straight to doing something about it?' "
Much as I like to take a reasonable-parent-acting-in-partnership approach to school, I was inspired by her complete focus on what was right for her child. And I am absolutely dreading my (black, adopted) child starting school and maybe having to deal with some of this 
Firstly I must say I am fuming on your children's behalf and so sad that this type of thing happens.
I would try and do all the things mentioned above as the other posters have some really good ideas.
I would also Google around for some ideas how to speak to your children about this and how to empower them through this process. It is natural you want to protect them and it is totally correct to do so. As well as this help it may also be useful to help them to feel as good about themselves as you can through this process.
I am sure you are already doing this and I just to mention it, maybe saying stuff like how brave they are to stand up to bullies and to tell you, how resourceful they are to think of pretending to be ill, although it is heart breaking that they have had to do this!
As much as possible help them to feel empowered and that they are not in any way at fault and that others have made terrible choices etc by choosing to bully, it is not anything they are doing. I am sure you are doing this, I am just mentioning it.
I googled around and found some sites.
www.empoweringparents.com/My-Child-is-Being-Bullied.php#
www.bullying.co.uk/advice/anti-bullying-advice
www.kidscape.org.uk/zap/index.asp
I am sure there are more.
In our local area there are sometimes Karate or Taekwan-do classes which help to build up children's sense of confidence and sometimes help them stand up to bullies. I am not necessarily recommending this for you, just mentioning it because sometimes it can help children to feel able to protect themselves. I really wanted DD to do a class but she doesn't like or want to, so I do know it is not for everyone and I would also say there should be no reason for school kids to learn self defence. 
I am so shocked by your post and so sorry for you and your dear kids. Please do come back and tell us how things work out.
No child or parent should go through this and no school should ever feel they can ignore bullying or sweep it under the rug.
Really hoping that your kids' bravery and your prompt action will quickly stop this rot.
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