Would you make child move school when if they don't want to?

She's 7 isnt she? So not her choice

Almost no child will choose to embrace massive unknown change, even if they are miserable staying put.

Sometimes parents have to…….parent.

Do what you believe is best - not what she wants in the moment.

Move her.

Tell her she can maintain relationship with the friends she has... Suggest maybe a 'post summer party / catch up'.

Make sure the bully isn't going to the new school ..

I waited too long to move my son. Ended up moving him in year 6- sooo wish I had done it earlier. He was like a different child.

She is unhappy, having nightmares and self harming in year 3, of course you move her. It’ll only damage her mental health even more. It’s understandable she says she doesn’t want to move as change can be difficult, but you really need to step up and do what’s in her best interests

This is what I was going to suggest and worked for us.

My kid really didn’t want to leave even though the bullying was terrible, after a final straw I made the decision and he was begging me not to move him, saying that the SLT might get better. Of course it won’t.

I’d already checked out the new school and had been assured that they would deal with similar situations. And they did. It was the best move. Kid had a great time, the systems were in place and much more fun and learning happened because everyone felt safe. Teachers and head know that I cry all the time in gratitude, but it is amazing how much a positive environment improves everything.

anyway moved in primary, now in secondary with some of the same children from the first school. My kid is a much more positive person, not bullied, and won’t stand for it if they see it. Has also heard from old peers that nothing changed, was just as awful for most of them.

your child will be scared, it’s hard to believe that a different school won’t be the same, but it really can be.

Yes I would (and have) moved my DD in a similar situation (y5). She was very upset at first, and cried to go back, but within a few months completely blossomed at the new school and now agrees it was for the best. Y3 is so young, you have to make the decision for her. Keep reinforcing that you are putting her first, and that the old school isn’t good enough for her.

She’s not old enough to know what is best for her in this example IMO.

Yes I’d move her. I’d feel guilty and worried but ultimately if the bullying was bad enough a year 3 self harmed I would move her. There’s a line between teaching resilience and needing to protect your child. I’d also push back on the narrative everywhere has bullies.

We did a couple of half days and a full day - then she moved

Main reason was she was doing a half day event at the old school.

Meet half way, ask for a trail day in the new school.

She’ll be start of the show and will feel far more confident about going.

You're the parent, you have the knowledge and wisdom to appreciate factors that she doesn't, and you're acting in her best interests. When she's in school, she's very stressed by the bullying which will impact on her learning and her mental health. She might forget about that when she's not in the heat of the moment, you won't. She needs to feel safe in school so that she can be at her best.

The school are not being proactive about stopping pupils bullying. That's their job, and they're not doing it properly. Your job as parent is to make the right decisions for your DD and look after her to the best of your ability.

I would be sympathetic to her point of view but you're the boss. She'll understand one day.

I think given the bigger picture in this case I would insist on a move. Her being anxious about changing is normal but it sounds like in the long run it should hopefully improve things