Y5 DD friendship issues

[Zingy123]

My Dd is in year 5. She has always struggled to make friends. She has a 'best friend' who is nasty to her quite often putting her down over various things. They get on great 80% of the time.
A new girl has just joined the school and the teacher asked Dd's friend to be friends with the new girl. This new girl has took an instant dislike to my Dd. My Dd has spent most of this weeks playtimes on her own.
She has asked me how can she make people like her and make friends. The class is very boy heavy and they are already in groups.
Please can anyone offer any tips.

[lljkk]

Tip1: try not to get involved unless you have to.
Tip2: are you sure there isn't another circle of friends you could encourage her into?

[Zingy123]

Thanks, I don't normally get involved but she is so unhappy. The other girls are in two groups of four and have always left Dd out of their groups. If her 'best friend' is off usually she just stays on her own. Any attempt to play with them hasn't worked.

[lljkk]

Sounds like it sucks. Holding on until High School might be your best hope.
Any friends from clubs or elsewhere?

[spudmasher]

Awful for her, but so common. I would agree with lljkk with regards to clubs. Having some connections outside the intense school network can be really valuable. Does your DD like sports/ drama/ dance or anything that could widen her circle of friends? guides/ brownies is what got my DD through years 5 and 6.

[Timetoask]

I am currently reading a book called "the unwritten rules of friendship" which has been recommended on mnet. It is great, to the point with good tips. I recommend it.

[Zingy123]

Thanks. Yes she has friends out of school but none in school really.

[bangwhizz]

The girl has only been at the school a few days and so the dynamic is still up in the air.
Please do speak to the school about it though.There is a lot they can do
(1) to encourage new friendships and
(2) to give your DD responsibilities so that she is occupied when she has no-one to play with eg 'play leader' teaching games to the little ones