Those of you who know me will know Layla-Mae is my absolute world, she is beautiful, kind, caring, loving, funny and wouldn’t hurt a fly!

So it breaks my heart to tell you a few weeks ago my amazing daughter suffered a horrendous bullying attack at school in which between 16-18 others all ganged up on her, the group included people she trusted as friends and not only was it physical but she was threatened with violence if she did not kiss the shoe of an older pupil all the while being filmed aimed to humiliate and shame her further.

We have spoken to the school at length and they offered reassurances of her safety and   we discussed different options but none took away the fear Layla feels about a place she no longer feels is safe. As parents we just don't feel like it is enough and we will never force Layla into somewhere she feels unsafe.

She's been unable to attend school since due to the trauma so just after the half-term break we officially withdrew Layla from mainstream school.

So, Layla's mum and I have been researching what help is available and it appears not very much at all. Wrongly the local authority will immediately fund alternative education for those who have been expelled due to incidents like this but there is no such immediate support for the victims.

Because of this me and Layla’s mum have decided to self-fund online private schooling for Layla so that she doesn’t get behind with her education and she can do this from the safety and comfort of her own home while she gets over the trauma of this horrific incident.

However, these online schools are costly (£5000 per school year) and with no help coming our way from the Local Authority or the department of education, we have got to try and raise the funds we need to ensure Layla doesn’t need to return to the school which she has stated she would rather take her own life than go back to.

To help us raise some money we have decided to take on a few challenges where we can collect sponsors and donations can be made. More details on these challenges will be added to the updates section as soon as we have arranged them.

So, after several stressful weeks that have been the absolute worst, we will be coming up with ways to raise the funds that will allow Layla to learn from home, her current safe space but we also feel passionately about putting this experience to good use.

On the back of all this I am currently researching what it would take to set up a charity foundation to provide information, resources and financial assistance for those in similar situations so initially, we are looking to raise money towards Layla's school fees and then any additional funds raised will go towards helping others through a charity foundation called Education 4 Victims/Safe Space 2 Learn once I get the foundation set up and decided on the name.

You’ll hear more soon regarding the charity foundation but in the mean time anything you can donate towards changing the current injustices faced by Layla and other bullying victims will be greatly appreciated and go to a great cause.

If you are able to donate even a small amount this will aid us in funding this alternative school for Layla for the remainder of the school year and into next year and allow her the time she needs to focus on her education, from her home, her safe space during this time of healing.