School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

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...

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...