I agree with Trillian about the work that goes into classes...it's a minefield! Marydean also made excellent points about the teacher themselves having a huge impact on the class environment (and Peanutter illustrated the point perfectly with her story - obviously a poor teacher).

I'd give your daughter a while to settle into her new class, but I'd also speak to the school pronto with your concerns about the bullying and lack of friends to ask for their rationale behind their decision. Hopefully they put real thought into it and can explain exactly what went into making their choices, thus putting your mind at ease. You could also mention that the rationale behind their class decisions is something that every parent has a right to know, so therefore should've been communicated to parents clearly last year, saving a lot of worry and questions this year. If you are still concerned about how your daughter is settling in a few weeks, or if the bullying recurs, follow it up. I'm a huge fan of communication, so I'd see you as being a caring, interested parent rather than a pita!! I'd have loved a class full of parents like you.

Also, it may seem like 'all' the students with learning and behavioural difficulties are in the one class, but I'd suspect the other classes have their fair share of those students too.

And, as a pp said, 'final numbers' may still impact on class sizes and make up. Our classes were always provisional until day eight.

Apologies if this isn't clear as I'm up to my eyeballs in feeding/burping newborn and Lego criminals! 1