When do they normally get their first reading book?

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

I'm not worried, just interested really, as ds hasn't brought a book home from school yet however I've seen a lot of people on here saying their reception age children have already brought books home.

My point is that he gets to read with his teacher and join in with group phonics and maths at school so he gets to experience success at school.

He is better at that stuff than socialising and enjoys it so I am pleased he gets to do it at school because it is something he is confident with. Same with the weekly school swimming lesson.

If it was ALL child initiated play his whole day would be angst filled because he is already aware that those times are when he ends up in trouble or having fallings out and needs extra help.

I think you are a little in danger of assuming that what was right for your DD must be right for all children.

Even schools with nurseries attached don't always teach phonics before reception.