We have also been delighted to see groups of our pupils visiting the local community to spread Christmas joy through carol singing. The children represented the school beautifully and brought smiles to many faces — a lovely reminder of the power of kindness at this time of year.

This week we also received the final report from our recent SIAMS inspection. The full report will be available on our website, but we would like to share some particularly special highlights:

• Inclusivity is at the heart of this community. The Christian vision enables pupils from diverse backgrounds to come together with love, celebrating and respecting difference.
• Inspired by the vision, leaders have created a school culture where relationships are strong and cherished. Pupils know that they are accepted for who they are, families are supported and staff are valued.

As we move into the final week of term, there is still so much to look forward to. We have our KS2 production of Bah Humbug, Christingle workshops, Christmas Jumper Day, Christmas lunch, and – to finish the term with a flourish – our Year 6 pupils will be leading the Church service.

Wishing all our families a joyful countdown to Christmas.

Mrs Hallett

Headteacher

 

HOUSEPOINTS                                                                                                      

This week’s housepoints totals:

244

271

272

237

 

ATTENDANCE

Governors have set the attendance target for the school at 97%. The class with the best attendance last week was Year 2. Well done Year 2!

Attendance figures for each class for last week are below:

 

SAFEGUARDING

Christmas is just around the corner and it is such an exciting time of year.  We are aware however, that some children find it an overwhelming time with lots of change and new things to take in.  We try to make adjustments for children if we notice they are feeling tired or overwhelmed in school, as well as keeping as much of the next few weeks as settled as possible.  Please do let class teachers know if your child is finding things tricky.

Here are some helpful links;

https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/development-additional-needs/neurodiversity/send-christmas/

Supporting a child who finds Christmas overwhelming Christmas can be overwhelming for autistic children and children with ADHD, sensory issues or anxiety. Try to plan around your child’s needs. parents.actionforchildren.org.uk

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/christmas-resources

 

GOLD BOOK/GOLD CARDS

 

Well done to those children who were awarded a gold card or were in the Gold Book. We’re very proud of you!

	Gold Book	Gold Cards
Year R	Lucas
Year 1	Benjamin	Felicity, Beau
Year 2	Elara	Pen, Harlie
Year 3	Eva D	Jasper, Nancy, Dottie, Archie
Year 4	Finn
Year 5	Phoebe
Year 6	Kaidy-Mai

 

 

LUNCH MENU CHANGE

There is a change to the planned menu on Wednesday 17^th December.

Red: Chicken Biryani with golden rice, Green: BBQ sausage pasta with garlic bread, or jacket potato.

 

A reminder that if your child is late in the morning they must come via the office, sign in and order their lunch before going to the classroom.

 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY

Our Christmas Lunch will be held on Thursday 18th December. Children are welcome to wear their Christmas jumpers on this day if they’d like to (school uniform is absolutely fine if preferred – there is no pressure to buy a new jumper or to wear one). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS CARDS

The Christmas post box is by the office. We know lots of the children like to write Christmas cards to their friends and staff – this is not compulsory! If posting cards in the postbox, please ensure that the envelopes are clearly labelled with the name and class of the recipient. Last day for posting is Thursday 18^th December.

 

 

YEARS 3, 4 and 5 PLAY TICKETS

The remaining  tickets for the Years 3, 4 and 5  play performances will be sent out on Monday in book bags.

 

YEAR R 2026 APPLICATIONS

 

Is your child starting school in September 2026?

If so, come and visit us here at Bentley to find out all about our lovely community-centred, village primary school and to see if we are the right school for your child. Bentley welcomes children from within our catchment area and beyond.

Applications are now open for Year R starters in 2026. If you have a younger child who turns 4 between 1^st September 2025 and 31^st August 2026 (or know someone locally who does) we still have an open event for prospective parents on the following date:


Wednesday 7th January 26 at 9:30 am

 

Click here to book your place.

 

BENTLEY’S LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR

Step Into the Spirit of Christmas with Bentley’s Living Advent Calendar.

Looking for a reason to get outside this December? Wrap up warm, grab a friend or the family, and take a festive wander through Bentley as our village transforms into a Living Advent Calendar!

Just like the traditional advent calendar that reveals a surprise each day, Bentley’s version brings a touch of magic to our streets. From 1st to 24th December, a new Christmas window will be unveiled every day, each one lovingly decorated by a local. By Christmas Eve, there’ll be 24 unique festive displays twinkling around the village for everyone to discover.

It’s the perfect way to enjoy some fresh winter air, stretch your legs, and soak up the Christmas spirit right here in the village. Whether it’s a peaceful evening stroll after dinner or a family weekend walk with a hot chocolate in hand, the trail offers a wonderful way to connect with the community and enjoy the festivities together.

✨ A new window is revealed daily from 1–24 December

✨ Once revealed, each window stays on display until 1st January, so you can catch up on any you’ve missed

✨ You can explore the trail using the printable Trail Map PDF) or follow on Google Maps https://tinyurl.com/3n5t3rbw. A small number of paper maps will be available from the school, shop and pub at the end of November. Follow along on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/1C17P83LFA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

✨ Look out for window numbers and spot your favourites!

✨ Visitors are invited to make a Justgiving donation to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

https://www.justgiving.com/page/bentley-advent-trail

The Living Advent Calendar is more than just a festive display, it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and togetherness. So this December, pop on your hat and gloves, step outside, and enjoy Bentley at its most magical, one Christmas window at a time. Thank you to everyone taking part.

 

HAMPSHIRE PARENT CARER NETWORK

Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN) have some free December events, workshops, and Get Togethers coming up:

 

December Parent Carer Get Togethers

Friendly, informal drop-in sessions offering connection, peer support, and space to share experiences.

• 10 Dec – Basingstoke (10–12pm)
• 16 Dec – Eastleigh (10–12pm) – SENDIASS attending for 1:1 support
• 19 Dec – Alresford (10–12pm)
• 17 Dec – Online Evening (8–9pm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online Workshops 

Burnout in the Lead-Up to Christmas - 17 December, 11am – Online

A supportive session led by Ellie, an Autism & ADHD lived-experience trainer, covering:

• What festive-season burnout can look and feel like
• Why Christmas can be challenging for autistic and ADHD young people
• Preparation and coping strategies
• How families can provide calm, meaningful support

 

 

 

Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in the 14–25 Transition Years - 19 December, 12:30pm – Online

Hosted by Afasic, this session discusses:

• What DLD may look like in teenagers
• Challenges during the transition to adulthood
• Impacts on learning, independence, and daily life
• Ways parents and professionals can support young people

 

 

 

PTFA

Thank you to everyone who came to support the Christmas Fair. What a lovely way to start the festive season!

There’s still hampers to be won! Buy tickets on the way in to each of the school plays. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the play, before collecting your children. 

 

A huge thank you to the Forresters for the Christmas photo shoot. They have been incredibly generous with their time and donating proceeds to the PTFA. The photo’s promise to be lovely!

 You’re Invited to The Bentley Bash!

Join us for a spectacular evening at the beautiful Bury Court, a stunning local venue, as we celebrate in style with music, dancing, food, and fun.

 When?
Friday 15th May 2026, 7-11:30pm

 What’s Included:
• Live band, music & dancing all night long
• Delicious pizza & dessert (included in your ticket)
• Raffle prizes, games & extra entertainment to keep the fun flowing
• Minibus taxi service available to make your night hassle-free

 Dress Code: Dress to impress!

🎟 Tickets:
• £50 if purchased before 1st December
• £55 after 1st December
• Option to pay in two £25 instalments if booked before 1st December (final payment due by 1st February)

 Venue: Bury Court – a stunning local setting that makes the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.

Don’t miss out on what promises to be a night to remember – music, laughter, dancing, and plenty of surprises along the way!

Tickets on sale now!
Www.pta-events.co.uk/bentley