If you moved your child's school due to bullying, at what point did you say enough is enough?

[yerbabird]

DS1 in YR6 has been isolated and ostracized by his year group, gradually since YR1, we have a situation where this year it has escalated to him being name-called, locked in loos, excluded from games and teased (hat being thrown about). We picked up on it as being overt when one of the boys at the centre 'dogged up' my son and his dad after school last Thursday. Cocky to say the least. DP set up the meeting with the head straight away.

Very good head teacher, apologised in our hour-long meeting on Monday that the signs had been there but the individual teachers had not collectively realised the extent. Head teacher spoke to DS on Friday and Monday, and held back after assembly all the boys involved. By now we have a pack mentality going, and it was 11 or 12 boys from his class. They were all told it stops, dead in its tracks, otherwise it's behaviour plans and their parents are involved.

Ok so now nothing over, and yes it is early days, but not really when you know how long this isolation has taken to reach this point. I chatted with my son tonight and although there is nothing 'happening' what DS is experiencing now is quote 'you know mum when your eyes meet someone elses by accident and you know you are not welcome, and you don't feel liked'. He just feels like it is still there, just gone to a different form, subtle. Looking into the future, it does not seem like this will soften.

There is a school 1 mile away, my son has friends there, and is desperate for a new start.

With my thanks, may I ask what have others experienced of moving schools to avoid bullying?

i was very sad to read about all the bullying going on. i know how u feel my dd is being bullied by a bunch of girls and boys age 14 they think its funny well i dont we are new to this area my dd has no friends and this is all she wants but daily she is called a slag although she hasnt even got a bf and is a virgin but they bully her as a new girl i changed school and area thinking herne bay wd be better but its just as bad i am begining to think no schl cares about bullying she is now self harming her wrists and wants to die wishes i had never had her i feel like poo and wish id never moved to herne bay thanks for nothing hbhs u shouldd all grow up u dont know my dd if u took the time to u would find shes caring loving and a nice person but u wont give her a chance god knows what your lifes are like i expect their fine well good for u selfish lot.........

I didn't tell DS's HT that he was moving until it was all sorted.

Dreadful woman. I still can't bring myself to speak to her if I happen to see her. Ds is in his 20s now.

LittleFrogs, I'm not sure what I would have done if DD (younger child) had insisted on going to DS's old school.

Not after she'd heard me describe the head as a stupid cow, anyway.

Your responses are wonderful, and thank you all so much for sharing here.

Coocachoo you've worried me there. I really feel for you and your situation feels intense this number is a helpline I have come across but not used Family Lives on 0808 800 2222 open 7am to midnight.

3littlefrogs we both cried to read your words. Huge hug as a mum to a mum here. I'm touched greatly by your sharing. Thank you for your advice, it has definitely helped today. xxx

Labro, to think of those who are there in a parent's place letting that happen to your own. Awful experience. I really feel for you. I'm honest with DS about the cons, you have helped me there.

Bunjies you have helped guide me today x

Badvoc, thank you

Kitties, gave me a chuckle there! And heads up on keeping the move quiet appreciated x

Real - they would meet again, but we have the choice of 3 really good senior schools here, if we have not managed to move by then..this is a village with a terrible reputation in the locality for it's small-mindedness.

Sparkling B - great to hear that for your DS. Unbelievable what people on the outside say. The 'don't be so silly' line is unforgivable. Thanks for the forewarning, some one is bound to try it sooner or later.

GreenG - I'm listening to your child x

SparkleS - Oh so awful, thank you for sharing. Thank you for the advice too x

Gintastic - I hear loud and clear. As a child who was always told, 'You were too young to know' about my dad leaving when I was 2, I so feel for you the pain we carry forwards. Good luck being lovely xx

And today....

after the special assembly held on Monday for the 11-12 boys from DS's who have been bullying him...

my son was bullied again, by 4 boys in particular, in a packed teacher-less class, he was laughed at and teased. The Head and Leaning Mentor have just received a long email from me explaining that we are safe guarding DS's safety - as he is not being protected by his peers when unattended by staff - and we consider his position at the school as untenable whilst this prevails and he will be at home for tomorrow at least. First step towards 'outing' the planned move. Not yet...but I thank God the head is, so far, showing support. I have told her I will be at school at 8:30 and hope to take this forward then.

You are all teaching me that it will be for the best to move DS. We all need a fresh start. Love him. It means a great deal to come on here and be supported by you all.

Thank you.

The bullies trying to set light to DD2's hair. I applied that very same evening to the Grammar school 10 miles away. Got both DD's accepted and they have flourished. We now live much nearer to their school in a lovely friendly village. Best move all around.

I was moved aged 11, so had one lovely year before starting secondary school.

I wish my parents have moved me earlier.

I don't know what made them finally act but I know I had been desperate for a long time. Too long.

I'm glad they acted, as it was a healing and repairing year, but I really wish they'd thought to do it much earlier so I could escape the torment sooner and grow stronger for longer before having to rejoin them all again in secondary school.

Luckily by secondary school they'd all forgotten about me, probably moved onto some other victim! so it really was the best thing.

When he had his nose broken. Should have done it much earlier. Go for it. Especially if he wants to go.