Ok, I know I sound pushy but why do they still need to do all the phonic stuff when they can clearly read?

[AudreyCox]

DD is in reception. SHe has always been a precocious reader and could read basic reception type stuff at 3. So at that point I did all the jolly phonics stuff with her with she took to like a duck to water. So by the time she went to nursery last year she was reading and they supported her in that. Now in reception she is having letter sheets home with all those sounds we did 2yrs go. She is spending whatever literacy time they do in yR doing phonics but she knows all this. The teacher has assessed her and admitted her reading in around y2 level but her comprehension around y1 level. It is probably true that she reads better than she understands but clearly she understands better than basic letter sounds. Her teacher has basically just said that they all need to work through the programme then they can move on.

So I'm asking if ths is usual. Is it not the standard thing to spend the first few weeks assessing and then progress each child from where they stand?

I think in your case its pointless in falling out with the teacher.I also think you should read the more difficult books at home with your child.Not all teachers can recognise intelligence or ability in children and some tend to follow a one size fits all policy.I have a very similar situation with one of my children.But do support the school work at home and don't criticise the teacher to your child [as i've learn't to my cost].Children nearly always do well when they come from highly motivated homes and your child will have a major advantage.