Oh wise people, please help.
DD (year 7) has had the same friends for 4 or 5 years. The group dynamic changed as it does with girls. So rather than being a tight knit group of 4, it is three against 1.
There's been a lot of lying by the three "We're not doing this" type stuff when really they are so that DD doesn't know. There's been a lot of v hurtful comments "you are our lapdog", "we wish you were dead" and some minor mean physical exclusion, pushing DD off a bench, pulling her chair away as she sat down, saying I will pair with you in PE, then refusing at the last minute so DD is left alone.
DD is isolated, alone. She eats lunch alone. BUT she loves these girls and wants to be their friend. DH and I are encouraging her to stand up for herself and remove herself so she doesn't keep getting hurt emotionally by their cruelty. One of the girls said "I will talk to you before school, but can't talk to you in school", so DD stopped going to that girl's house before school.
How can I help her? She looks terrible, dark circles, has a constant headache and wants Calpol every day, is still eating well, but I am worried.
I stepped in before Christmas and texted the other mums (who are all lovely people and friends of mine) with mixed response. I have called the class teacher and am waiting for a callback.
How can I help?