Is it possible to know if a child is "academic" so young?

[WimpleOfTheBallet]

My DD is 6 ...she's the youngest in her year (year 2) at a private non-selectve prep. She's happy and teachers seem happy with her.

She seems to have had a little trouble with reading though this has improved hugely this term. The teacher has been sending her into year 1 for phonics...the school did not do phonics at all until a new teacher took over year 1 this year...should I be thinking that DD is not very academic because she needs extra help? The teachers never even told me she was having this help...DD mentioned it today...she's been doing it for a week or more. Somethng to do with having plasticene in one hand and making shapes with it whilst ddoin something else with words..

Her teacher in class 2 doesn't do phonics...DD appears to really enjoy the time in class 1 and her reading has one from sstrength to strength...she get trough a book very fast now..she's on the expected level for her age in the scheme...but I get the feeling that even this non selective prep wants the kids to be ahead.

So...should I worry she's not academic or be happy that she's getting more time spent on her....is this what I am paying for?

Mother of another "late bloomer" here - it is really true that they all get to things at different times.

A six-year old still learning to read isn't 'in need of extra help' or 'behind', just still leanring to read, like millions of other perfectly normal 6 year olds.

6 is the average age for learning to read, and as long as they do learn, has no bearing on any future academic performance.

DS was still learning at 6, and got a 3 for reading in his Yr2 SATS, and now has a readng age of a child 8 years older than himself.