How do I prepare DD for her new school (post bullying)?

[Katymac]

Because I don't want her to think "all will be wonderful" but neither do I want her to be as scared of moving as she is of the current situation

I wish I had all the answers

bump

Just find out as much as you can about the new school and share the info with her. Can she go for a day's visit before she actually moves? Thats what I did when I changed schools due to bullying.

there is an open day in july

Ditto, give her as much information as possible. Find out teachers names, class sizes, layout of the school etc. Basically give her as few unknowns as possible.
Maybe also check with the school about what their anti bullying policy / strategy is to demonstrate to her how she will be 'protected'. Is there an 'anti-bullying champion' or a buddy type system ??

When is she starting?

I was thinking that if it was after the summer holidays she might be able to meet some classmates at any holiday clubs etc. that are running near the school. Half of dds class went to an easter club at the church down the road.
Even knowing a few faces helps a lot. Good luck

Thanks guys - only just seen this (it was a busy week)

With dd2 (who I think is about the same age) I explained that the first few weeks would be great, as she would be 'flavour of the month' as she was new and everyone would want to see what she was like, the next few weeks/months would be tough, as she wouldn't be new anymore, but she wouldn't have made good friends yet either, and hopefully after that it would just get better as she settled down. Happened exactly as predicted, with the 'tough times' just before Feb 1/2 term (she started in Jan). However, she did say it was still better than the old school. Tough times only lasted a few weeks (and weren't anywhere near the problems we had been having), and now it is difficult to remember she's only been there 5 months. In fact, spoke to art teacher this weekend (summer fair) and she thought dd2 had been there 12 months!

I know I have agonised over this (& driven half of MN mad) but now I have (finally) made the decision I feel much more content

I have really chilled and calmed down (everyone has noticed) and DD has really perked up (even her current head has noticed)