The Fusion Academy

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 April 2023

The Fusion Academy is a welcoming and inclusive school where there are caring relationships between staff and pupils. Leaders have secured a calm learning environment. Pupils enjoy coming to school and say they feel safe. Leaders and staff have high expectations for all pupils. Staff are quick to notice when a pupil may need some additional support. Staff ensure that pupils have access to sensory breaks or resources that will reduce their anxiety and allow them to continue with their learning. There is very little low-level disruption to learning or the school day as a result. All pupils show respect for their peers and staff. Pupils know that bullying is unkind. They say that it rarely happens. If it does, pupils know they can talk to adults in school, and they are confident adults will support them. Pupils enjoy the many activities that this school provides for their personal development, such as 'Fusion Fest', where pupils share their talents with one another. One parent's comment, typical of many, was: 'My child has flourished in all areas of her development since attending The Fusion Academy. The school has quite literally transformed her life as well as our entire family's.'

What the school should improve

• Leaders have worked at pace to develop the curriculum. Leaders' curriculum planning in a few subjects is still in development. In these subjects, leaders have not yet clearly identified all the important knowledge pupils need to learn and that teachers, therefore, need to assess. Leaders should ensure that they continue to refine the curriculum to clearly identify the precise knowledge that pupils must learn. This will enable teachers to more effectively build on what pupils already know, and to plan activities that are consistently challenging, and therefore maximise pupils' progress towards their academic outcomes.
• Leaders' work to improve pupils' attendance ensures that most pupils attend school well. However, some pupils are persistently absent. This means they miss valuable learning and development of positive school routines. Leaders should continue their work with parents to support them to improve their child's attendance so that they attend school regularly.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)