School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

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 p...

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 ov...

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-y...

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...

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 behaviour The key differences between ODD and PDA (a...

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” 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 wo...

Summary Do 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 incide...

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 epi...

 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 f...

 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 histor...

 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: th...

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...

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...

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 Mana...

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 education...

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...

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: Vi...

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...

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: Clic...

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 webs...

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 80 Get our FREE SEND Behaviour...

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 Adviso...

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 h...

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 educat...