School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton
This podcast offers research-backed strategies for teachers, SENCOs, and school leaders to support students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Hosts Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton share practical classroom management techniques and insights for working with special needs like autism, ADHD, and attachment disorder. Each episode features interviews with education thought leaders and evidence-based approaches to help educators manage tricky classes and unlock student potential.
Episodes
What To Say To A Pupil After A Behaviour Incident
After a difficult behaviour incident, how do you rebuild your relationship with a pupil who's sworn at you, become aggressive or stormed out of your classroom? And whose responsibility is it to make the first move?
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you'll discover why repairing adult-pupil relationships isn't just important for the child - it's also in your own profe
5 Behaviour and SEMH Statistics That Made Me Stop And Think
What do the latest behaviour, SEND and attendance statistics actually tell us about what’s happening in schools?In this episode, you’ll explore five recent figures that raise important questions about suspensions, SEND support, attendance and the pressures facing school staff. You’ll hear why headline data can hide what’s really happening underneath, why pupils on SEN Support may need closer atten
5 Ways To Stop Group Work Descending Into Chaos
Does your class work well independently, but the moment you put them into groups, the noise goes up, chairs start scraping and everything begins to unravel?Group work places more demands on pupils than we sometimes realise - from moving around the room and managing resources to remembering instructions, negotiating with other pupils and switching attention.In this episode of School Behaviour Secre
Co-regulation: Why Speaking Calmly Can Make Things Worse
Ever used your calmest voice with an upset pupil, only to find it winds them up even more? You’re trying to help, but somehow your calming strategy is making things worse.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll explore the difference between sounding calm and helping a pupil feel understood. Through a familiar classroom scenario, you’ll hear how well-intentioned responses can add press
Why Locking School Toilets Won’t Stop Internal Truancy
If pupils are marked present, but still spend large parts of the school day hiding in the toilets, wandering corridors or visiting the medical room – have you solved your internal truancy problem, or just moved it somewhere else?In this episode, you’ll learn about emotionally based internal truancy, or EBIT - an informal way of thinking about pupils who make it into school but struggle to access t
Why Tiny Mistakes Trigger Big Reactions
Have you ever taught a pupil who produces excellent work most of the time, but becomes overwhelmed, angry or tearful after making one tiny mistake? Perfectionism can look like a positive quality from the outside, yet it may be hiding intense anxiety underneath.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why some perfectionist pupils are more vulnerable to dysregulation and how to dis
When Shame Looks Like Defiance
Why do some pupils smile, deny what happened, blame someone else or become angry when they're challenged about their behaviour?Sometimes, what looks like defiance or a lack of remorse may actually be a defence against shame.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you'll learn:- The important difference between guilt and shame - and why it matters for behaviour- Why shame doesn'
Why Some Pupils Never Ask For Help
Some pupils never put their hand up. They never admit they’re stuck. But then they fall behind while everyone assumes they’re coping.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why asking for help can feel threatening for some pupils and the hidden coping strategies they use instead - from copying others’ work to trying to become invisible in the classroom.You’ll also discover the si
How To Keep The End Of Term Sane
The final week of term should feel positive - but when routines disappear, emotions rise and pupils realise the year is ending, behaviour can quickly start to unravel.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn how to keep the end of term calm, structured and meaningful without removing all the fun. We’ll look at why pupils often become silly, emotional or unsettled before the holida
What School Leaders Need To Know About SEMH Right Now
School leaders are facing increasingly complex SEMH needs, rising pressure around behaviour and inclusion, and more uncertainty about what effective support should look like in practice.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll hear what schools are telling us right now about SEMH leadership, why it can feel so difficult, and what leaders need in order to move forward confidently with SE
When Pupils Use Friendships As A Weapon
Some behaviour problems don’t start with defiance, disruption or poor emotional control. They actually start when pupils use relationships to humiliate or exclude another child in their friendship group.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll discover how Relational Aggression affects pupils in both primary and secondary schools, why it’s so easy for adults to miss and how it can drive
How To Support Pupils Who Are Anxious
Have you noticed some pupils seem more anxious, avoidant or dysregulated at this time of year - even when nothing obvious has changed in the classroom?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why exams, transition days, new classes, secondary transfer and end-of-year changes can increase anxiety for pupils.You’ll discover why some children aren’t just reacting to what’s happening
Teaching A Tricky Class? This Is The First Thing To Fix
Got a tricky class that feels harder to teach than it should?Sometimes the problem isn’t one big behaviour issue - it’s the smaller repeated issues that drain everyone’s attention, patience and energy.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we look at why some classes feel so difficult to manage, how problematic routines can create hidden workload for teachers and pupils, and why simply telli
Why Some Pupils Fall Apart After Lunch - And What Schools Can Do
Have you ever had a pupil come back from lunch looking fine - only to refuse work, argue, shout or completely fall apart minutes later?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why lunchtime isn’t always a break for every pupil. You’ll learn how social stress, sensory overload, unresolved conflict and tricky transitions can build up during lunch - then spill over into the afternoon l
When Behaviour Strategies Work… But Make Things Worse
Have you ever used a behaviour strategy that worked brilliantly in the moment - only to find the same behaviour came back again the next day? And the next?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why some short-term behaviour strategies appear to work because they reduce the immediate tension but can accidentally teach pupils or whole classes habits that make behaviour harder in the
Are We Mistaking Compliance For Regulation? (And Why It Matters)
Are the quiet, compliant pupils in your classroom genuinely regulated - or just holding everything together?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the important tension between compliance and regulation. Because while schools absolutely need routines, boundaries and clear expectations, “doing what we asked” doesn’t always mean a pupil is calm, settled or coping underneath.You’ll l
Why Pupils Say “I Don’t Care” - And What To Do Next
What should you do when a pupil looks you in the eye, shrugs and says, “I don’t care”? It’s one of those classroom moments that can easily pull adults into a power battle. But while they sound disrespectful or deliberately provocative - what if those three words are not the whole story?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore what pupils might really be communicating when they say,
When Behaviour Seems To Come Out Of Nowhere: Understanding Stress Stacking
When a pupil explodes over something small, it can look like their behaviour came out of nowhere.But what if that “tiny trigger” wasn’t really the cause - just the final bit of pressure they could no longer cope with?In this episode, you’ll learn how stress stacking affects dysregulated behaviour, why looking for one simple trigger can lead schools down the wrong path, and how to ask better questi
The Hidden Causes of Attention-Seeking Behaviour
Why do so many sensible school strategies fail, even when staff are trying their best?In this episode, you’ll learn why attention-seeking behaviour is often a misleading label - and why two pupils can show very similar behaviour for completely different reasons.Using the PAIN framework, you’ll discover how to look beneath the surface, identify the hidden drivers behind a child’s behaviour, and cho
Why Good School Strategies Fail - And How To Fix Them
Why do so many sensible school strategies fail, even when staff are trying their best?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore one of the biggest challenges facing school leaders: consistency. Because having the right strategy is only half the battle - the real challenge is getting staff to understand it, apply it in practice and embed it over time.Using the example of restorative c
How Executive Function Can Trigger Student Dysregulation
What if a pupil’s dysregulation isn’t just about behaviour - but about hidden executive function demands they can’t yet manage?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn how difficulties with executive function can fuel frustration, overload and emotional dysregulation in the classroom. Using a concrete case study and the PAIN framework, we unpack how challenges with holding informa
SEND Reform Is Coming: What It Means For Behaviour And SEMH In Schools
The government’s new SEND reform paper proposes major changes to how schools support pupils with additional needs.But what does it actually mean for mainstream schools, teachers and SENCOs?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we break down the key changes in the proposed SEND reforms and explains what they could mean for SEMH support in schools.You’ll learn:• Why mainstream schools will in
Why The Students Who Need Your Help the Most Are the Ones Who Reject It (Understanding Avoidant Attachment)
Some of the pupils who need the most support are the ones who refuse it.They say they’re fine. They push adults away. They avoid check-ins, mentoring and pastoral support - then struggle or explode under pressure.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why this happens, through the lens of avoidant attachment. Not as a label, but as a way of understanding why help itself can feel u
Why Social Media Makes Children’s Behaviour Worse (And How To Help)
Why do children sometimes say things online they would never say face to face?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why social media can make behaviour escalate so quickly - and why it’s not simply about children being unkind. Drawing on psychology and real-world school experience, we explain how social media and messaging apps remove the natural feedback that helps children re
Emotional regulation is not a curriculum – and treating it like one backfires
Emotional regulation is not a curriculum - and treating it like one backfires.Many pupils can explain their emotions, name calming strategies, and talk confidently about what they “should” do… yet still struggle to cope when things get hard in the classroom.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why teaching emotional regulation as a set of lessons often doesn’t work, and how sc
Kids Aren’t Less Resilient - We’re Training It Out Of Our Students
More children are struggling to cope with small setbacks in school.Mistakes feel overwhelming. Frustration escalates quickly. And learning grinds to a halt.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why this isn’t about children being “less resilient” - and why common advice like “push through” or “try harder” often makes things worse.You’ll learn how modern home and school environmen
Why “Be More Assertive” Is Bad Advice – And What Actually Works in Classrooms
Teachers are often told they need to be “more assertive” in the classroom.But what does that actually mean when behaviour starts to wobble, pressure rises, and everyone’s watching?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn what assertiveness really looks like in practice - and why it isn’t about being louder, stricter, or more dominant. Instead, it’s about clarity, calm and making b
The SENCO Bottleneck: Why the Role Is Becoming Impossible in Caring Schools
In many schools, the SENCO role has become the pressure point where everything ends up - SEND, SEMH, behaviour, parent concerns, paperwork and managing crises and pupil outbursts.And when that happens, how SEND and SEMH is supported across the school starts to break down.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why the SENCO job has become increasingly difficult even in caring, we
7 Reasons Why Good Behaviour Policies Fail in Good Schools (And What Leaders Miss)
On paper, your behaviour policy makes sense… so why doesn’t it work in every classroom - and for every pupil?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn the 7 reasons why good behaviour policies often fail in good schools - even when leaders care, staff are committed and the intentions are right.Drawing on nearly two decades of work with real schools, we unpack the hidden reasons beh
Restorative Conversations Don’t Work for Every Pupil - Here’s How to Fix That
Restorative conversations are everywhere in schools right now. They’re written into behaviour policies, referenced in Ofsted language, and promoted as the gold standard for repairing harm and building accountability.But what happens when those conversations don’t work - especially for pupils with SEND?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why:· standard restorative conv
Behaviour, SEMH and Inclusion in 2026: What’s Really Coming Next
In 2026 the government is going to make big changes in how schools handle behaviour, SEMH and inclusion.The question is: are we ready for what that actually means?In this episode, we makes a series of predictions about where the system is heading next year - not based on politics or policy promises, but on how schools really work when money, policy and classroom reality collide.Some of these predi
The 4 SEMH Myths That Are Making Behaviour In School Worse
Some of the most damaging ideas about behaviour in schools don’t sound wrong.They sound kind.They sound scientific.They sound progressive.And that’s exactly why they stick.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, Simon Currigan unpacks four popular SEMH myths that are quietly making behaviour worse - not because people mean badly, but because good ideas have been overstretched, oversimplified,
The January Reset: How To Use The Fresh Start Effect To Transform Classroom Behaviour
The first week of January isn’t just “back to school” - it’s one of the most effective behaviour intervention points of the entire year. In this episode, we explore how to harness the psychology of the Fresh Start Effect to reset classroom routines, rebuild relationships and help pupils begin the new term with confidence rather than shame.You’ll discover:• Why January works better than September f
RSD and ADHD: The Hidden Trigger Behind Sudden Classroom Meltdowns
When a pupil goes from “fine” to “furious” because you asked them to correct one sentence, it’s easy to think they’re overreacting. But for many children with ADHD, even small corrections can feel like rejection - triggering intense emotional pain known as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn what RSD actually is, why it’s so strongly linked
From Festive Chaos To Calm Classrooms - Helping Pupils Cope With Christmas
Christmas is exciting… but in schools, it can also send behaviour spiralling.Between nativity rehearsals, parties, Christmas jumper day, and all the glitter-induced chaos, many pupils tip from festive fun to full-on overwhelm faster than you can say “silent night.”In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why December is such a challenging month for regulation, the hidden SEMH pres
When Rewards Stop Working: How To Build Behaviour That Lasts
Ever had that moment where your reward system just… stops working? The stickers lose their sparkle, the house points barely register, and suddenly every child in your class is asking, “What do I get if I follow the rules?” It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and it leaves you wondering what on earth to try next.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we unpack why reward systems lose power ove
Escape Behaviour Firefighting with the PAIN Framework
When pupils show persistent, emotionally escalated behaviour, it’s easy to focus on the surface - the shouting, the refusal, the walking out - and miss the real cause.In this episode, you’ll learn how to use the PAIN framework (Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, Social, Prosocial, and Transition needs) to help your pupils make progress with their SEMH needs. You’ll follow the story of Liam, an 11-ye
Turn Chatty Classes Into Focused Learning With The T3 Method
Got a class that just won’t stop talking? The kind where the chatter keeps creeping back in, no matter how many times you settle them? We feel your pain!In this episode, we explain why the problem isn’t talk itself, but unstructured talk - and how to turn your class’s social energy and exuberance into focus, rather than frustration.You’ll discover the T3 Method: a simple way of structuring your le
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): How to Support Pupils And Avoid Power Struggles
Ever worked with a pupil who argues about everything — even the things they secretly agree with?In this episode, we unpack Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) — what it is, what it isn’t, and why traditional approaches like confrontation or “tougher boundaries” often backfire.You’ll discover:The common myths that cause teachers to misread ODD behaviourThe key differences between ODD and PDA (and w
How to protect your emotional wellbeing in 5 minutes a day or less
Ever get to Friday and feel like your emotional battery’s is fried? You’re not alone. Working in education — especially when supporting pupils with SEMH needs — means carrying other people’s emotions all day long. By the end of the week, you’re not just tired, you’re emotionally done.In this shorter half-term quickfire episode, we dive into the emotional side of teaching — and how to protect your
Connection Before Correction: 3 Ways To Make It Work In Your Classroom
“Connection before correction” has become a bit of a buzz phrase in education — but what does it actually mean in a real classroom? How do you do it in the middle of a behaviour incident, when stress levels are high and pupils seem least open to connection?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, Simon Currigan unpacks the science and the practice behind this powerful idea. Drawing on the work
Why Isolation Rooms Don’t Work (And What Schools Should Be Doing Instead)
SummaryDo isolation rooms really work? And if they do… why do we see the same pupils sitting in them day after day?In this episode, we dig into why – for many pupils - isolation rooms don’t change behaviour - and what schools can do instead to support the students who repeatedly end up there.You’ll discover:Why isolation can make behaviour worse (not better)What’s really driving repeat incidents (
The Truth About Consistency: Why It’s Hard and How to Nail It
Consistency across classrooms isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s the foundation of your school culture. When pupils see one teacher give a warning, another skip straight to sanctions, and a third ignore the same behaviour completely, the message is clear: the rules don’t really matter. For children with SEMH needs, that unpredictability can even fuel anxiety, dysregulation, and mistrust.In this epis
Ofsted’s 2025 Shake-Up: 5 Questions Every School Leader Should Be Asking About Behaviour and SEMH
From November 2025, inclusion, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing are set to take centre stage during Ofsted inspections. But what does this mean for schools in practice – especially when it comes to supporting SEMH? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we unpack the key changes in the new framework and answer the questions school leaders and teachers are already asking. Will Ofsted fin
ADHD in Girls: Why It’s Missed and What Teachers Can Do
When we think of ADHD, most people picture the stereotype: a restless boy bouncing off the walls, blurting out answers, unable to sit still. But here’s the problem - that picture is incomplete. And because of it, thousands of girls with ADHD are being missed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we share why ADHD often looks different in girls, how history
Why De-escalation Isn’t Enough (And What To Do Instead)
Ever tried every de-escalation strategy in the book—calm voice, supportive stance, soothing words—only to watch a student keep spiralling? The problem isn’t you. The problem is that de-escalation on its own isn’t enough. In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we reveal why de-escalation so often fails in the heat of the moment, and introduce a new way of thinking about pupil behaviour: the
The Myth of 1:1 Support: Why 1:1 Support Isn’t Always the Answer for SEMH Success in Schools
Are one-to-one teaching assistants really the best way to support students with SEMH needs?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the myth of 1:1 support and its unintended consequences for schools and students.Discover why this topic resonates with teachers and SENCOs working to support pupils with a high level of need and how rethinking your approach could empower independence a
Is Bullying A Form Of Trauma? Insights From Kidscape's New Research (With Paula Timms & Nathalie Noret)
Should bullying be viewed as trauma? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we speak with guests Paula Timms and Nathalie Noret from Kidscape about groundbreaking research on the lasting impact caused by bullying.Discover how trauma-informed practices can transform how schools support students, reduce harm, and challenge misconceptions about bullying. Tune in for practical strategies every t
Relationships First: Rethinking Behaviour Policies in Schools (With Stephen Steinhaus)
Are you struggling with behaviour in your school or feeling a disconnect between staff and students? Then this episode is for you!Join us as we sit down with guest Stephen Steinhaus to unpack how relational behaviour policies, with a focus on relationships – not just rules - can raise standards, improve behaviour, and transform teaching in your school.Important links:Get our FREE Classroom Managem
SEND At Breaking Point: Educational Psychologists Sound The Alarm On Support In Schools (With Dr. Gavin Morgan)
Educational psychologists play a vital role in supporting students’ special educational needs and mental health. Yet, a recent British Psychological Society report reveals that many EPs feel the SEND system is broken and unable to meet students' needs.Join this week’s School Behaviour Secrets as we join Dr. Gavin Morgan to discuss how funding cuts, high caseloads, and a shortage of educationa
Unseen Struggles: The Surprising Link Between Pain And Neurodivergence (With Jane Green)
What if neurodivergent students' behaviours were actually signals of physical pain?In this thought-provoking episode, Jane Green, MBE, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, explains the surprising connection between physical pain and neurodivergence in young people.Jane explains how physical symptoms, like fatigue and chronic pain, can impact classroom behaviour, performance a
Creating Inclusive Schools: The Neuro Ambassadors' Programme Explained! (With Melissa Leggett)
Looking for ways to support neurodivergent pupils? Do you want to inspire change in schools for a brighter future?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we interview Melissa Leggett, founder of the Neuro Ambassadors' programme. Discover how this groundbreaking initiative is supporting neurodivergent pupils, helping them flourish, and fostering acceptance in schools.Important links:Visit
Quick-Fire Strategies: Small Mindset Shifts - Big Classroom Wins!
Are you struggling with a class that feels completely out of control? Is this making you feel stressed?It can be easy to feel like classroom behaviour problems are happening 'to' you, and there's little you can do to make an impact...So, in this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets we share a simple change in mindset that can help you take back control, get unstuck, and m
Essentials: The Hidden Cost of Bullying - Uncovering the Brain's Response to Abuse
What's the real cost of bullying on a child's health?In this week's episode, we talk to Jessica Fraser about the powerful link between emotional trauma and brain health.Together, we explore how this understanding can transform the way schools approach bullying, offering fresh strategies to protect children and support their emotional and physical development.Important links:Click he
Helping Teachers Thrive: Strategies for Managing Tough Classes (with Jessica Werner)
Are you struggling with a tough class? Feeling overwhelmed as a result?Join us and guest expert Jessica Werner, as we share practical strategies for turning around difficult classrooms, managing stress, and building strong relationships with challenging students.Learn essential tips for helping teachers thrive under pressure and regain control.Important links:Visit the Northshore Learning website
Essentials: How To Manage Chatty Classes
Are you working with a chatty class? Are you finding the noise overwhelming and feeling frustrated that valuable learning time is being lost?In this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we'll share some of our top tips for managing talkative classes, without squashing their enthusiasm for learning!Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 80Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Hand
Join the conversation…. Prioritising Well-Being - Strategies for Educators Facing Burnout! (With Kate Whittlesey)
Do you feel that your role in education is taking a toll on your mental health?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we discuss burnout and the crucial importance of self-care for educators. Join us as we talk to Kate Whittlesey about effective strategies for teachers and school leaders to prioritise their well-being and stay at the top of their game.Important links:Visit the SEND Advisory
Essentials: Improve Your De-Escalation Skills with This Simple Mindset Shift
Whilst every pupil's needs are unique, there's one key mindset shift that can enhance your de-escalation skills.In this week's episode, we uncover this mindset shift and show you how to apply it when handling student meltdowns or anger outbursts. You'll learn how to reduce distress, minimize disruption to classroom learning and feel in control.Important links:Click here to hear
Empowering Educators: Supporting Students at Risk of Criminal Exploitation (With Desmond Skyers and Steve Warner)
Do you suspect a student might be at risk of criminal exploitation? Have you noticed changes in a student's behaviour or peer group?Recognising the signs early is crucial to making a positive impact... Join us for our latest podcast episode as we discuss the urgent issue of youth violence and gang involvement. Hear insights from Desmond Skyers and Steve Warner of St Giles Trust on how educato
Essentials: Restorative Practice In Schools - Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Are you using, or thinking about introducing, restorative practice in your school?When done right, it teaches conflict resolution and encourages positive behaviour. But if not introduced effectively, it can erode trust. Discover our top tips for success!Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 55Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload
Why Kids Get Excluded From School (And What We Can Do About It)
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the rise in suspensions and permanent exclusions, revealing the most common causes.Learn proactive strategies to reduce exclusions and download our free Exclusions Checklist for practical, needs-led behaviour support. Let's create more inclusive schools!Important links:To download our FREE Reducing Exclusion Checklist.Get our FREE SEND B
Essentials: Connection Before Correction - A Key Strategy for SEMH Success (With Adele Bates)
There's been a concerning rise in children facing SEMH challenges in schools. So, how can teachers and educators effectively empathize with these students and build trustful relationships?In this episode of the podcast, we speak with Adele Bates, SEMH behaviour specialist and author of 'Miss, I Don't Give a Sh*t! - Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools. Adele shares her exp
The Impact Of Adaptive Teaching On Pupils With SEMH Needs With George Athanasiou
In this episode of the School Behaviour Secrets podcast, we interview educational expert George Athanasiou to discuss the power of adaptive teaching strategies.Discover how flexible and multisensory approaches can dramatically boost student engagement, reduce behavioural issues, and improve outcomes for all learners, especially those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.Important
Essentials: Hidden Challenges: How Language Processing Issues Affect Student Behaviour and Learning
Did you know language processing disorders can be a major driver of challenging classroom behaviour?Often overlooked, but critical in supporting students with special needs, we look into how difficulties with understanding and expressing language affect students' emotions and actions. Effective support can make all the difference.Tune in to the School Behaviour Secrets Podcast for valuable in
How To Quickly Identify SEMH Needs In School Children
For the first time on School Behaviour Secrets we are sharing our podcast on the usual audio format as well as on YouTube as a video podcast. So, if you're someone who prefers to watch rather than listen, you've now got the option of doing either.In today's special podcast, we're exploring one of the most critical issues affecting students - how to quickly and effectively ident
School Behaviour Secrets' New Format Unveiled!
What's the future looking like for the School Behaviour Secrets podcast?In this preview episode, we unveil the exciting new direction for the podcast. From offering video content to ensuring solo episodes are packed with essential strategies for classroom success, these changes are designed to help you get the most out of your time while supporting the social and emotional needs of your stude
How To Write A Successful Pupil Regulation Plan
Are you working with students who frequently get dysregulated in school, lose control of their emotions, and find it hard to use agreed strategies for sustained behaviour change?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we uncover the core elements of effective regulation plans. From identifying triggers to rehearsing new behaviours, learn practical strategies that foster self-regulation and ac
Essentials: Practical Applications Of Virtual Reality For Reducing Pupil Anxiety
Imagine a classroom where students step into virtual worlds to learn essential social skills and prepare for life's challenges. This vision is becoming a reality through the power of virtual reality (VR).In our latest podcast episode, Ange Anderson, headteacher of an innovative special school in Wales, discusses how VR technology is reshaping educational practices.Join us as we explore how VR
ADHD in Focus: Strategies for Classroom Success With Abby Moehringer
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we ask: What are the most effective strategies for helping students with ADHD in the classroom?Our guest, ADHD expert Abby Moehringer, shares practical ideas, tips, and strategies to help students with ADHD get on top of strong emotions and stay regulated in class. Tune in as we explore proactive approaches that you can implement today!Important links:T
Essentials: Pro Regulation - Helping Students Understand And Manage Their ‘Big’ Emotions
Are you supporting children who frequently lose self-control when faced with big emotions like anger and anxiety?In this Essentials episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we introduce the concept of pro regulation - a proactive approach to emotional management. Learn how to help your students recognise and act on their feelings before they escalate, ensuring a calmer and more controlled classroom en
Autistic And OK (With Joss Lambert and Lily Ashby)
We want our schools to be welcoming, inclusive places where everyone feels okay about being in school. But for many autistic pupils, that isn't the case. So how do we help?That's the focus for this episode of the School Behaviour Secrets podcast, where we join Joss Lambert and Lily Ashby from the Autistic And OK Programme. They explain the challenges faced by neurodiverse students and wh
Essentials: Recognising The Differences Between Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)isode
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome (PDA) can look similar, but they're actually very different.In this Essentials Episode of School Behaviour Secrets we explore key differences between ODD and PDA, because understanding these conditions is crucial so you can adopt the correct strategies to provide effective pupil support.Important links:Click here t
How Social Scripts Can Transform Pupil Behaviour (With Sue Larkey)
Are you searching for effective ways to support students who struggle with social interactions? Social scripts could be the game-changer you've been looking for!In this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets we sit down with guest expert, Sue Larkey. Discover how tailored scripts can help students navigate social interactions effectively, foster independence and confidence, and creat
Essentials: Understanding the Significance of "Masking" Behaviour in Classroom Settings
Many kids with autism become experts at "masking" their true feelings and needs. This can be helpful in the short term, but over time, it can leave them feeling drained and exhausted.So, if you're ready to find out more about supporting children with masking behaviours, then join us for the latest School Behaviour Secrets podcast.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 87A
Developmental Language Disorder - What Teachers And Parents Need To Know (With Tiffany Voigt)
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) with Tiffany Voigt, experienced speech and language pathologist from eLuma.We cover the hidden challenges faced by students with DLD, and how these affect their learning and behaviour. Discover why early intervention and targeted support are crucial, and learn practical strategies so you can support stude
Essentials: Reduce Bullying By Building A Positive School Culture (With Alex Holmes)
Are you looking for ways to empower your students to stand up against bullying?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we sit down with Alex Holmes, Deputy CEO of the Diana Award and Vice Chair of the National Anti-Bullying Alliance, to explore innovative strategies for student involvement in anti-bullying initiatives.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 83Get your FREE Beacon Sc
Creative Approaches To Help Children Experiencing Sadness (With Clare Williams)
In this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets we explore how to support pupils who are experiencing long term persistent feelings of sadness with our guest Clare Williams (co-author and co-creator of Jigsaw PSHE, and author of the Hamish and Milo well-being resources).We discuss the crucial role adults play in supporting students experiencing feelings of sadness, and share invaluable ins
Essentials: Understanding The Science Behind ADHD Medication With Dr. Walt Karniski
Deciding whether to medicate your child for ADHD is hard. How can you be sure it's the right call?This week on the School Behaviour Secrets podcast, we tackle this critical question with developmental paediatrician and author Dr. Walt Karniski. Together we discuss common myths about ADHD medication and explain how these treatments affect the brain to help you make a more informed choice for y
Using The PACE Approach For Effective Behaviour Management
Are you working with pupils with a history of trauma in your classroom and their behaviour is often heightened, unpredictable, and difficult to manage? Are you ready to try a different approach?This week we explore a strategy for managing confrontations with students displaying challenging behaviour known as PACE. Developed by Dan Hughes in America, PACE is all about building empathy and relations
Quick-Fire Strategies: The De-Escalation Danger Zone
If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you have to de-escalate a heightened student, you'll know that it's hard work, it's super stressful for everyone.In this episode I'm going to talk through 3 key de-escalation concepts (the anger cycle, the de-escalation danger zone, and the valley of despair) that are essential to know for helping heightened pupils get bac
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