Flute - which make for a beginner

[Longdistance]

Dd12 would like to start playing the flute.
Which make would be best? We wouldn’t mind getting a second hand flute for dd, but not sure where to start.
I work in a school and a colleague has one for sale for £200 (buffet?), but I thought that was steep for second hand eBay has loads, but I’m sure that’s luck of the drawer.

It’s been a long time since I’ve played the flute but I would be mindful of buying something unseen. Possible extra costs are getting the pads replaced if not in good condition. Have you found a flute teacher yet- can you ask their advice? Alternatively you could rent a flute initially to see whether your daughter likes it.

Yes, I second renting one to start with...

Flutes aren't cheap. If you buy secondhand make sure it is recently serviced. If buying new a Yamaha 211/212 is the standard beginner's model. You can probably get a reasonably priced second hand one from a dealer such as just flutes.
Most beginner school music schemes will start kids off on a plastic yamaha fife for the first term or two to save money. However she is probably past the age where her peers in group lessons will be using those now. They do hold their value so unless she severely damages it no harm in buying an actual flute for her to learn on, I never did fife myself and it's actually harder to play than a real flute.

When DD started she got a Trevor James - good beginners flute and lots of 2nd hand ones out there from decent music shops. She’s now got an Altus, but they’re a bit more pricey.

Yamaha 212. We got VAT free purchase via school for both DCs flutes.

Do the school not hire them out?

My daughter uses my old Jupiter flute. I have just taken it for a service which will cost £60. Just to give you an idea of what you might spend if you buy and old second hand flute. You could probably pick an old flute up for around £100 but it maybe origin unknown and just a cheap student flute. Or you could spend a little more and get the one your colleague is offering you - Google it to see what they go for on eBay etc and how much new. If its a reasonable flute then if your daughter doesn't continue to play you will find it easier to sell on, and if she likes playing it may last her a few more years.