that is just so sad. I am still not sure how the teacher holds your son responsible for that situation and really it should be the school's responsibility on days when kids bring money for special things to make sure that it is looked after because it does cause so many problems.

If the school is a public school (or even a Catholic school) they should have an anti-bullying policy. You should ask for a copy of it and find out exactly what is says and the school's strategies for managing bullying in the playground. At least this way when you do talk to the principal you can be prepared for how the school says it manages bullying behaviour on paper and if you feel that their system is not happening, address this with the principal.

If the school is a state one or a Catholic school, there is also a good chance they would have an AVT (advisory visiting teacher) for different areas. If your son has been excelerated through a grade, really he should have an AVT or Guidance Officer who is his case manager who is meant to be addressing issues like this one where he is having difficulty fitting in socially with the other kids because he is younger than they are. They should be able to look at a playtime management strategy for him to ensure that his needs are being met socially with kids his own age. An AVT or GO should also be able to do some work with him on self-protective behaviours to help him deal with times when he may get bullied. Self protective behaviours are teaching when something doesn't feel right (and identifying when something doesn't feel right - kids often can't identify this until they are older), how to say no and then how to get help. They should also be able to do some self esteem building activities with him.

I don't know how much any of that helps, but they are the sorts of things that I would be asking the principal about. If your DS has a case manager because has been accelerated, they should also be invited to this meeting.

If you are unsatisfied with the outcomes and you are in a Catholic school or state school, you can take your concerns higher. Also if the principal is evasive about meeting with you, take your concerns to the Catholic diocese or Education Department for your state. They won't ignore your concerns if you put them in writing.

Sorry, I don't know much about independent schools and if your son is enroled in an independent school you can still ask about all the things I have said, but they don't work on systems the way that larger organisations do and each school is a bit more of law unto itself.

One warning about gifted and talented kids - you would think that they would be the teacher's favourites, but for some teachers G & T kids represent a lot of extra work trying to provide enough stimulation for them and trying to keep one step ahead of them. For this reason, teachers can take things out on G & T kids just because they are frustrated with them always needing so much more than the other kids in the class. I am not sure if that is what is going on with this teacher, but it is something to be aware of now and in the coming years.

I hope that things get sorted out soon for your DS. It is a really tough situation that he is in.