School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

What are the key components to successful de-escalation in schools? Join us in this episode of School Behaviour Secrets as we delve into the true meaning of de-escalation, explore the physiological changes in the brain during moments of dysregulation, and unveil our brand new four-part framework for achieving effective de-escalation. Important links: Get our FREE Managing strong emotions guide: he...

Are you aware of the impact of early relationships on student behaviour? In this Essentials episode, we sit down with attachment specialist and author Catherine Young, to explore the profound impact of attachment on children's lives and learning. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for helping children develop secure attachments. and insights about the pivotal role teacher...

Can LEGO® therapy provide a solution for neurodivergent children seeking support in social and emotional development? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we interview Gina Gomez de la Cuesta, a clinical psychologist and expert in LEGO® therapy. Together we discuss how, through collaborative LEGO® building, children can learn communication, problem-solving, and social skills. Important lin...

Lunchtimes and playtimes can often be the spark for challenging behaviour in schools - and resolving those issues can often spill over into lesson time. So how can we encourage positive behaviour from all our students at break time? In this essentials episode, Tim Davies shares practical steps and strategies (and cost-effective solutions) for making this happen in your school... and the positive i...

What are executive functions and how do they affect student behaviour in school? Join us in this episode of School Behaviour Secrets as we explore the connection between executive functions and ADHD. Discover how these key functions influence behaviour and learn effective strategies for supporting students in your school today. Important links: Get our FREE SEN Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconsc...

In this Essentials episode of School Behaviour Secrets, Helena Kulikowska shares practical insights on supporting children affected by their parent's mental health. She reveals the power of simple interventions and student-teacher empathy that can make a significant difference in their lives - and shares practical strategies that can make a profound difference for pupils affected by this issu...

Can combining writing with meditation and mindfulness really help students to show more self-compassion and improve their ability to understand their own emotions? In this School Behaviour Secrets episode, we interview Educational Wellness Consultant, Laura Bean. Together, we discuss the benefits of mindfulness and how these moments can be used to support pupils with Social, Emotional Mental Healt...

In this Essentials episode, we delve into the impact of sensory issues on behaviour and learning in the classroom - and discover why sensory needs can be related to dysregulation in our pupils. Award-winning occupational therapist Lyndsey Biel explains why addressing our students' sensory needs is key to their success - and shares practical solutions for meeting those needs in the classroom....

Schools invest considerable time, effort, and energy in supporting pupils with SEMH needs. However, the question remains: How do you ensure that this tremendous dedication is recognised? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the key elements of an effective and collaborative approach to supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Important links: G...

Do you find yourself seeing the same children in detention, or kept in at playtime, over and over? And asked yourself, do the consequences we have make any difference? In this special School Behaviour Secrets episode, we look at why consequences might be ineffective for some students - and what we could do to help our students instead. Important links: Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet:...

In this Essentials episode, Simon interviews Simon Bolger, a head teacher on a mission to start a wellbeing revolution in schools - including the mental health of teachers. He reveals the importance of positive psychology and how middle leaders can influence their teams and start a wave of cultural change. He also explains why it's important for teachers to take personal responsibility for th...

Student disengagement is a growing issue in schools. But what's really causing pupils to switch off from their learning? In this episode of School Behaviour secrets, we welcome back esteemed author and behaviour specialist, Rob Plevin. Together, we explore the factors (both internal and external) that could be causing students to feel disengaged with their learning and what you can do right n...

In this Essentials episode of the School Behaviour Secrets podcast, Simon speaks with Soli Lazarus, a highly experienced mainstream primary teacher and SENCO who specialises in ADHD. Soli discusses how we harness the talents of our pupils with ADHD in school - and how using humour, distraction, and making children feel special can be more effective than using punishments in the classroom. Importan...

Can coming from a position of privilege actually cause you to make unconscious assumptions about the pupils that you teach? In this School Behaviour Secrets episode, we continue our interview with SEMH and behaviour specialist Adele Bates. Together, we discuss what unconscious privilege really means and how it can change how we interact with pupils. Important links: Get Adele's book, "Mi...

Restorative conversations can be a highly effective way of improving behaviour in school, but many school leaders find it difficult moving staff away from a rewards and punishments based approach towards a restorative one. So how do you get that transition right? In this Essentials episode, head teacher Janine Dodds shares her journey implementing restorative practice her school successfully. She...

Can coming from a position of privilege actually cause you to make unconscious assumptions about the pupils that you teach? In this School Behaviour Secrets episode, we interview, SEMH and behaviour specialist, Adele Bates (our first ever returning guest). Together, we discuss what unconscious privilege really means and how it can change how we interact with pupils. Important links: Get Adele&apos...

As children move from primary to secondary education, we see an increase in the number of mental health issues they present. But what's really causing that increase - is it to do with the change in teaching approach and style at secondary school, or is there something else going on? In this essentials episode, expert John Jerrim reveals the (surprising) reason for that rise in mental health n...

After any incident in school, opportunities to reflect (for both the pupil and adult) must be given so that everyone can move forward together. In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we interview SEMH expert, Dean Cotton. Together, we discuss the power of reflection and he reveals his systematic approach to breaking negative behaviour cycles - Post Incident Learning. Important links: Visit D...

In this Essentials podcast episode, we explore how to support students with a parent in prison. This issue is hugely overlooked - though it's estimated to affect 312,000 children in the UK alone. Our guest is expert James Ottley, who shares his insights on how teachers can create a supportive classroom environment and help students cope with the emotional challenges parental imprisonment. Imp...

Can a pupil really learn about emotions from watching a baby interact with their parent? Starting at the very beginning could be the answer! In this School Behaviour Secrets episode, we interview Educational Psychotherapist, Alison Waterhouse. Together, we explore the 5 key skills needed for positive mental health and wellbeing and she discusses this unique project - Circles For Learning. Importan...

In this week's Essentials episode, we explore the important issue of bullying in schools and how we can support students affected by it. Bradley Davis, mental health advocate and entrepreneur, shares his insights on how we can identify students who are being bullied, how to approach them, and how to provide them with the necessary support. Important links: Bradley's website: The BKyndCo...

Stimming or self-stimulating behaviours are repetitive or unusual movements (or noises) that can help some pupils manage emotions and cope with overwhelming situations. In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why children stim, the links between stimming and autism and how stimming relates to a pupil's sensory needs. Important links: Get our FREE SEN Behaviour Handbook: https:...

Working with students who engage in power battles, refusal or just hate being told what to do? Then you'll know it's a recipe for tension and stress in the classroom. In this School Behaviour Secrets quickfire episode, you'll discover the 'R' word that may be fuelling their behaviour and strategies for managing pupil refusal successfully. Important links: Get our FREE SEN...

In this essentials episode, we explore what it feels like to be a student with undiagnosed ADHD in the classroom - their challenges, their frustrations, and the emotional impact school life can bring. In this very candid interview, John Booth reveals the truth about what it is like to be both the parent of a child with ADHD - and what how being diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disord...

If you're working with pupils who engage in classroom behaviour that's difficult to manage, it's key to address the underlying need that's driving their behaviour. That's easy to say, but harder to do. In this special School Behaviour Secrets episode, I share one simple approach anyone can use to uncover that root cause - meaning you can use the right strategy, at the righ...