What would you do, shy ds 9 being teased at school

[sonotmumsie]

Ds 9, only child, quiet and shy, unhappy at school. Told me last week some children on his table at school are 'annoying' him, singing teasing rhymes about his name, kicking his chair, taking his pencil when writing. I said i'd speak to the teacher, however the teacher has noticed and moved him to another table before i've spoken to him. He tells me they're still annoying him at playtimes. He seems to becoming more of a loner (he's always done his own thing and not followed the crowd). i've advised him to ignore them and hope now he's on a different table they'll leave him alone. What would you advise him to do? Would you speak to the teacher/school?

Definitely would speak to school but not only for this reason, it is obvious these children are bullying your son and the school have a duty to deal with it.
My son was a loner all the way up til this year (yr3) and I was often worried about him. Would ask him what he did at play time and he would come back with 'I sung to myself' Nearly broke my heart.

After speaking to school, I felt better about things as his teacher had noticed and encouraged to join in with others and did specific group work with him to develop friendships.

Your poor DS. Contact the head teacher for a meeting with all the staff involved with your child and get a copy of the anti bullying policy. Is there any chance of him moving classes? If it's happening at play time the school need to be supervising free time more effectively. Threaten them with a complaint to the LEA, works a treat- my DS1 was in a similar situation. Has the teacher observed any specific reason he's being picked on? Not that I'm saying it is DS's fault at all but my son has social problems and at the time did some pretty inappropriate stuff that needed addressing. Really hope you get it sorted, sounds awful.

Louboo is spot on- some encouragement in extra curricular activities could foster some better friendships.

Would you speak to the teacher with your child there or would you try and speak to the teacher alone?

I would speak without the child there. Partually because dd1 hates me speaking to the teacher good or bad things, partually because you and the teacher can be more honest-I don't think it helps the child to see how upset you are by it etc.
On something like that I would also ask for a meeting, probably before school, where there is no danger of other people seeing. Reducing the risk of the bullies coming out with "you told on me".