To think the school should care more about dd's happiness?

[emkana]

dd has been struggling with friendship issues all through year 5. She also feels that she doesn't get the same recognition for her achievements in class as other children. The school basically just shrug their shoulders on the first issue, and deny that the second issue is true. Aibu to expect them to help dd to feel better about it, or is it my job as a parent to tell dd to get a grip?

Agree completely with cory and that is what I would do.

You have to trust the teacher to an extent that she will be recognising achievements when necessary. Do you have other reason to believe that the teacher is bad at her job?

Can you arrange some playdates with possible 'new' friends for your DD? Anyone she mentions enjoying playing with at school, girl or boy? I realise other girls are more likely to lead to lasting friendships but just having a friend can boost confidence, whether girl or boy.

Apologies, just reread OP & realise that she is year 5, not 5, so would assume more important to have same-sex friendships, please ignore my point about mixed friendships if not appropriate.

I think this might be the best school ever: www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/news-archive/archive/wellbeing

Know it's not appropriate for your child, but as a teacher I would LOVE to work there.

Isn't that the school who's getting rid of it's library in favour of computers?