DD is about to start Y1. She is very excited and we are hoping after her reception year this will be a fresh start for her.
DD's school is 2 form and the school decided to mix both of the reception classes for Y1.
Throughout reception DD had difficulties with another girl in her class. The other little girl formed a very intense attachment to DD. DD, as a result, found it hard to be able to breakaway and form other friendships. DD was often kicked and punched if she tried to play with other children and more often than not would be coming out of school upset and not wanting to go in.
Teacher was aware of dynamic and separated DD as much as possible. She paired DD with another child in the class and the change in DD was so positive.
We made it clear that we wanted DD separated for Y1 and the teacher agreed it would be better too. DD started to grow in confidence and developed a lovely friendship with another girl in her class.
On the day class allocations were announced, the other little girl came out in tears because she had been separated. She was no longer bothered not being with DD but was upset she wasn't with this other little girl DD had become friends with. She developed an intense attachment to this other child. She wouldn't allow DD to play with the other child and would physically push or kick DD if she tried to join in. DD even had her hands stomped on because she wanted to sit where DD was sitting. The last couple of weeks of term were not great for DD but we kept reiterating that she would be in the other class for next year.
A few days ago the mum of DDs new friend posted on the Reception WhatsApp to say that they were going to the local soft play. The only one who turned up was the other intense child. The intensity over the last 6 weeks was still there and the other mum is concerned her DD is now in the position my DD was in during reception.
DD can't wait to go back to school and is particularly looking forward to seeing her new friend. However we are concerned that DD is going to find herself being kicked/ punched and with unkind things said should she try and play with her friend by this other girl during lunch and breaktimes.
We have told DD to walk away / tell a teacher etc but is there anything else we can equip her with to ensure Y1 isn't a repeat of reception? I'm assuming there would have been a handover from her old teacher.