I am concerned about DS1's friend, but mostly because I know things about him I probably shouldn't

[forward]

He's only been at the school (yr6) for about a year. I know he went to at least 2 other primary schools.

He's been to my house several times and is lovely. I would guess he struggles at school, but he's polite, friendly and a good playmate for my DS. He does sometimes smell a bit and I've never met his mum (arrangements always made by text), he's a bit feral I guess, but has lovely manners and always kind in his play.

I can't remember how it came up, but I met a friend who works at one of his old schools today. I'm sure she shouldn't have told me, but the feeling there was that there was some cause for concern re the mother's partner and that the boy was being continually moved, just as social services were about to be asked to get involved.

So what, if anything,should I do?

Doubt there's much you can do really apart from being a friendly ear to him.

I know, but I could at least mention my concerns at school. Only trouble is that apart from he smells a bit I don't have any cause for concern, except what I've heard and the fact that he's out and about alone a lot, but then he is 11.

I would mention it to the school and see what they say. They might already be aware.

Poor little thing. It's awful to be the smelly kid, makes you (or did me) a target for bullying. I know he may have worse problems then that though.