'Rough Play' in Reception

[Spacemonkey2016]

My 4 yo has just started reception. He has seemed to settle in fine and taken it all in his stride. However, he's mentioned that one particular boy has pushed him over in the playground 3 times this week. I have a parents evening in a couple of weeks....would you mention it to the teacher, or just let him find his own way, so to speak? He doesn't seem particularly bothered by it, which is why I'm not sure whether I should bring it up or not.

We’ve been wonder this too. The child in question is about a foot taller than the other kids too, so does actually hurt them. And seems to have behavioural problems - he literally walks over and punches them in the face with no warning (we’ve seen him do it in the morning line).

I assume the teacher knows, certainly all the parents do. I haven’t decided yet whether to bring it up, or just talk about DS.

Yes, mention it.
As you say, if it is one particular child and it is happening frequently, then the odds are the teacher is already aware, but a dozen other families raising concerns can be a powerful argument in getting some help for the child that is struggling to play with their peers.
Obviously the teacher won't be able to discuss the other child with you or their needs or what is being put in place, but it does no harm to say that, whereas you are aware there will be disagreements and some rougher play occasionally, you want to make sure it doesn't get to the stage that your dc doesn't want to come to school as one particular child is hurting them so regularly.