Should I ask for extra help with reading

[ivorytower]

ds started reception in September he is 4.4 months so one of the youngest in his year.

He is reading the books with a few key words in quite well.

I was then very surprised to hear some of his classmates reading very fluently the other day.

Is this normal for some to be so far ahead or is ds behind?

I don't think you need to ask for help at this point. My DD is also the youngest in her year. She couldn't read until the last term of reception. Now she is in year 2 and at the top of the class. Her teacher said her reading age was 9-9.5 at the last parents evening and she is only 6. Don't worry just read with him at home and keep it fun.

I wouldnt worry. My DS is the oldest in his year, also just started reception.
He is about the same stage as your DS. He can pick out a few key words but is nowhere near reading yet.
Some children in his class can read fluently, most of them are at a similar level to DS.

Thanks. What a relief!

We read his book each evening at bedtime which takes about 5 mins and we go through his key words which he brings home. At the weekend he gets homework which I spend about 10 mins on, which personally I think is long enough.

I am a bit lazy but I think he has such long days (starts at 8.15) I don't want to put him off school if I push him.