Fiona Barry (SENCO/DHT, Athelstan) – from Alethea 10.01.24: Fusion is a highly valuable resource both to myself as SENCo and my colleagues as class teachers. Any query or concern I raise, is addressed immediately and I am signposted to other resources which is so helpful. At a time where SEN resources are stretched and increasing numbers of pupils with high needs are attending, I would be at a loss without Fusion. You build a close and trusted relationship with the Fusion teacher; you feel like you have an ally and a place to go when you are at a loss of what else to try. The reports you receive are thorough and really support the assess, plan, review cycle, with targets easily identified for extended support plans. I highly recommend the service – thank you for the support you provide.
St Josephs – SENCO? (Catherine, 10.02.24):
Comments from Parents:
‘I was really pleased with my son’s Fusion report. They captured all of his strengths well and pinpointed his specific difficulties so that we can work on these. I felt it was a very positive report.’
Comments from Staff:
‘Our Fusion teacher is always warm and friendly. She has taken time to get to know the school, and has built positive relationships with both staff and pupils.’
‘She is great at being able to give on the spot advice and strategies for working with children with a range of different needs.’
‘Children are always happy to work with her. She makes tasks enjoyable and builds a rapport with pupils.’
‘The reports from Fusion are very helpful, comprehensive and easy to understand.’
Tracy Jubb (Rotherham LA – Olly) 11.01.24: The Fusion Team have provided training for Rotherham schools. The consultation and planning that took place beforehand ensured that the training was tailored to the current priorities for our SENDCos. Feedback from the training provided has been very positive and has made a difference to practice.
Will Smith (Mundella/Locality E – Olly) 14.01.24: Fusion have been an invaluable support, not just to our school, but throughout Locality E. For our school, Fusion have provided constructive advice to the SENDCO and other members of staff as well as carrying out assessments which have benefitted many children throughout school. They have also led whole-school staff meetings on a wide variety of topics. They have led follow-up staff training, working with a small number of staff, which has benefitted and upskilled staff to make them more confident in supporting the needs of SEND children. For Locality E, Fusion have provided a bespoke package which is tailored to the needs and requests of our 16 individual schools. This is always extremely well received by all schools in the Locality and we have subscribed to this package for several years.
Oliver Barker (SU ITE coordinator – Olly) 17.01.24: We have worked with Fusion SEND Hub for a number of years at the University of Sheffield. They have provided excellent training for our ITE Students on topics ranging from Autism to Dyslexia and Social, Emotional and Mental Health. The workshops they have taught and the materials they have shared have shown a clear link between pedagogical theory and practical application in the classroom. Our students have continually rated these sessions highly and have used them to improve the quality of their own practice and the accessibility of their resources. Many of our students express an interest in observing in a special school or even pursuing a career in SEND as a direct result of these sessions. We hope to continue our partnership with Fusion SEND Hub for many years to come.
Abby Rhodes-Bramall (class teacher, Brampton the Ellis Primary – Jackie) 23.01.24:
I asked Isabella’s mum (Helen Wagstaff) if she wouldn’t mind putting some words together for a testimonial and she has sent me the following: The information and support we have received has been hugely beneficial. Not only has it provided school with ideas on how to best help my child’s learning, it’s also given us as parents tools and knowledge of what we can be doing to support at home. I cannot recommend highly enough, thank you.
(From Amy herself): As a teacher, I found the support from Fusion to be invaluable. The report that we were provided with has helped to construct specific yet achievable targets for children to work on and also given myself and other staff within class many different strategies and ideas to use alongside this. Our Fusion teacher is extremely approachable and really wants to understand each child, their background, academic and social ability and even their likes and dislikes before she observes and meets them. I would definitely recommend Fusion’s services to anyone who is able to access them and look forward to continue working with them in the future.”
Daniele Hobman (SENCO, Mansel – Louise) 05.03.24:
The work Fusion does for our school is invaluable. For us, it is not only the assessments and strategies which are useful but the conversations and incidental discussions and suggestions, allowing us to ask for quick tips or ideas to support children. Our allocated Fusion teacher is brilliant; she is so accommodating, helpful and we have developed a really strong, positive working relationship, which greatly benefits all of our children. The service offers such a wide range of support and expertise!
Amy (role? Wath Cental – Beth) 01.05.24:
We have been working with Fusion for a number of years now. We have a wonderful relationship with Our Fusion teacher and she has developed a really good understanding of our school, our ethos and most importantly our children. Feedback is always really positive from parents and children alike regarding any work that she completes with them. She has delivered engaging and content-rich staff CPD sessions (many of these tailored to our very specific school need) and provided 1:1 support with staff regarding SEND provision. Myself and other members of staff have always found her to be friendly, warm, approachable and most importantly, highly knowledgeable. The reports provided are of a high quality both for use in school and for liaising with external services. The Fusion team are constantly expanding and as a result there are now a range of different workers varying specialisms which as a school we have found really useful for our most complex children. We would highly recommend Fusion as a support service for any work with children with SEND.