School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton
Beacon School Support
Are you a teacher, a SENCo or a school leader?Want research-backed strategies for supporting students who find it hard to manage their emotions or behaviour? Want practical ways of supporting pupils with special needs like autism, ADHD, FASD or attachment disorder? Want tried-and-tested classroom management strategies that will work with that ‘tricky class’?Then you’re in the right place.Welcome to the School Behaviour Secrets podcast where we’ll answer ALL these questions and so much more! Week after week, your hosts Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton share the secrets to behaviour success that every teacher and school leader should know, all based on their decades of experience supporting real teachers and real students in real classrooms.But that’s not all...We also interview thought leaders from the world of education so you can hear NEW insights that could hold the key to unlocking your students’ potential. Whether it’s managing the whole class, helping kids with behavioural SEN, or whole school strategy - we’ve got you covered.Are you in? Brilliant. Because this is YOUR CHANCE to get unstuck, hear from the experts, feel inspired and start seeing more positive behaviour in your classroom again. So hit that subscribe button... and let’s get started!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 11, 2023 • 34min
How To Reduce Shouting Out At Whole Class Time
Are your classroom interventions falling flat when it comes to shouting out? Are some of your students reluctant to participate while others dominate conversations and drain the pace of your lessons?Join us in this episode as we dissect possible underlying causes and give you strategy after strategy, enabling you to respond effectively for a respectful and more engaged learning environment.Important links:FREE Beacon School Support classroom management scoresheet.Get our FREE SEND Behaviour HandbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
Dec 6, 2023 • 13min
Essentials: How To Recognise and Support Pupils Affected By Trauma
If you are supporting a pupil who finds it difficult to manage their emotions, struggles to focus and seems to over-react to situations, then they may be affected by early childhood trauma.Join us for this episode of School Behaviour Secrets as we explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on a pupil's emotional well-being and discuss the vital role of relationships in helping them to cope with their emotions.Ready to make a difference in a child's life? Tune in now!Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 35.Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
Dec 4, 2023 • 31min
LIFEMORTS: The Hidden Forces That Drive Student Anger
Have you ever wondered why some students flare up in anger seemingly out of nowhere? Or is the word 'no' sparking unexpected anger in your pupils?Join us in this episode of School Behaviour Secrets as we uncover the evolutionary triggers behind classroom anger. From ancient social hierarchy to the modern classroom, we'll explore the fascinating world of LIFEMORTS and explain how an understanding of the psychological roots of anger can shape a more supportive school.Important links:Get your FREE Beacon School Support guide to helping children manage their angerGet our FREE SEND Behaviour HandbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
Nov 29, 2023 • 13min
Essentials: 24/7 Connectivity - The Impact of Social Media on Children's Well-being
Are you worried about the impact of social media on your students? Are you struggling to find practical steps that you can take to support them emotionally?In this Essentials episode our guest speaker, Claire Orange (expert and author on social and emotional learning), sheds light on the addictive nature of online platforms and shares essential strategies for teachers to guide students through the digital age.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 33.Claire's DigiiSocial education program: https://digiisocial.com/Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
Nov 27, 2023 • 49min
The Untold Challenges Of Providing Effective SEMH Support In schools (With Abigail Hawkins)
Are you seeing more and more pupils with high social, emotional and behavioural needs in your school? And are you feeling demoralised trying to navigate the challenges faced in providing effective support?School Behaviour Secrets is back with another insightful episode, and this time, we're delving into the top three challenges faced by schools in providing effective SEMH support. Get ready for an engaging conversation with Abigail Hawkins, from SENsible SENCO, that could transform your approach to SEMH in your school.Important links:Visit the SENsible SENCO webiste for more informationGet our FREE SEND Behaviour HandbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
Nov 22, 2023 • 11min
From Conflict to Connection - The Transformative Power of Restorative Practice In Schools With Sara Hagel
Curious about the outcomes of effective restorative practice in schools?Join us as Sara Hagel, a specialist in restorative approaches, shares real-life success stories. In this episode, we discuss the positive changes in students' emotional intelligence and relationships when restorative practice is done well. Get ready for inspiring examples and tangible results.Important links:Peacemakers' website: https://peacemakers.org.uk/Click here to hear all of episode 4.Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
8 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 38min
Proactive Approaches To Anger Management In Schools with Nicola S. Morgan
Join Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton as they talk to Nicola S Morgan, an expert in anger management, about practical strategies for helping students cope with anger. Topics discussed include teacher frustrations, the significance of anger, proactive approaches to anger management, and strategies for changing emotions. Don't miss this episode if you work with kids with anger difficulties!
Nov 15, 2023 • 12min
Essentials: Understanding The Impact of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder On Student Behaviour
Have you ever wondered about the hidden challenges students with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) face in the classroom?Join us in this Essentials episode where we investigate the science behind FASD, exploring its impact on behaviour and learning, and providing you with the essential strategies you will need to support affected students. Ready to create an inclusive learning environment for students with FASD? Discover the answers here!Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 31.Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
Nov 13, 2023 • 38min
The Power of Understanding: Recognising Underlying Needs In Autistic Girls with Nicola Durant
How well do you really understand the experiences of autistic girls in your classroom?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, join us as we tackle this important topic with expert insights from Nicola Durant. From anxiety triggers to support strategies, we uncover the nuances that often go unnoticed. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by autistic girls in the classroom so that you can create an inclusive educational environment.Important links:Visit Nicky's website 'SEND Station'Or go to eventbrite to explore the latest courses offered by SEND StationGet our FREE SEND Behaviour HandbookDownload other FREE SEMH resources to use in your school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resourcesSchool leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.
Nov 8, 2023 • 12min
Essentials: Melatonin Matters - How Sleep Chemistry Shapes Student Behaviour
Explore the connection between sleep and behavior as the hosts discuss the impact of lack of sleep on children's behavior, the role of screens in inhibiting melatonin production, and the importance of consistent bedtime routines for better sleep. They stress the need to address sleep issues in children for a well-rested and happier classroom.
