A BARRHEAD mum has told how she has taken the agonising decision to stop her daughter going to school after years of bullying.

The primary six pupil is said to have been frequently left in tears after being picked on by a group of other girls.

Now the mum believes the best option is for her nine-year-old daughter to stay at home.

“I have regularly spoken to the school about this,” said the mum, who has asked for the school involved to remain anonymous. “They have offered my daughter counselling but that’s not resolving the problem, so I’ve decided she’s not going back.”

The family has now asked East Renfrewshire Council to move the girl to another school.

The mum, who is not being named by the Barrhead News, said the bullying, by the same group of girls, had been going on for four years.

“She went to a Hallowe’en disco last week but left in tears after four minutes because they were saying nasty things and laughing at her,” said the mum. “I was there and witnessed it.

“Never once did I think I’d have to deal with my daughter crying and begging not to go back to school.

“I am absolutely heartbroken for her.”

The mum is now calling on all parents to talk with their kids about how important it is to be kind to others.

She told the Barrhead News: “My daughter is the sweetest, kindest little girl you could ever meet but is riddled with anxiety at nine years old.”

Since posting a message on Facebook to highlight her daughter’s trauma, messages of support have flooded in.

“We are now waiting for our new school placement request to go through,” said the mum. “

We want her to move and be settled in another school so that this is all behind her when she goes to high school.”

East Renfrewshire Council said it operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of bullying.

A spokesperson added: “We take any allegation of this behaviour extremely seriously and have robust policies and measures in place to investigate, address and record any issues.

“Staff at the school are aware of this allegation and will address in line with these policies.”