School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

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 55 Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbook Down...

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 SE...

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 ex...

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. Importa...

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...

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 iden...

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 stud...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 e...

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 w...

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 her...

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 crea...

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...

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 stud...

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 83 Get your FREE Beaco...

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 in...

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...

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 relation...

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 ba...

In the past, children who struggle to attend school have been described as 'school refusers,' implying that their behaviour stems from wilfulness. But is it time to rethink this perspective and explore other underlying causes? Join us as Jerricah Holder delves into the concept of Emotionally Based School Avoidance. She'll reveal why this way of looking at school refusal can be more...

Are you searching for ways to support your students' social, emotional, and mental health needs in the classroom? Or have you put interventions in place to support a child and you need a way of systematically assessing whether they're having an impact? Then join us today as we sit down with Arti Sharma from Nurture UK to discuss how the Boxall Profile can be used in schools to identify u...

Are you working with a pupil who just won't complete their work? Then it's time to start thinking about what could be behind their reluctance. As teachers, deciphering these signals is crucial to offering effective support in getting pupils beyond task avoidance. Join us for this episode of School Behaviour Secrets as we explore work refusal in the classroom. From understanding the signs...

As any educator knows, the battle against bullying is ongoing, and the moment we become complacent, cases tend to rise. But what if we could address bullying at its emotional core? In this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore just that. Join us with guest speaker Alain Pelletier as we discuss how to enable students to grasp the true impact of bullying and reject it on an emo...