

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

Mar 6, 2023 • 27min
The 4 Most Important Lessons We've Learned From 100 Episodes
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to helping children. Sometimes, there can be multiple approaches to the same situation that will lead to a successful outcome.This week on our special centenary episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we look back at the past 100 episodes and reflect on the key strategies and insights we've learned from the amazing guests we've had on our show.Important links:Get our FREE SEN Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/SEN-handbook.phpJoin our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSchool 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.

Feb 27, 2023 • 43min
Make Your School Values Have Impact With Esther Cohen
In order to maintain a positive and meaningful school culture, it's essential that the school's core values are reflected in pupil behaviour, attitudes and their learning.In this episode of School Behaviour secrets, we interview educator and therapeutic life coach Esther Cohen. She discusses the delicate balance between emotional development and academic progress and she reveals how she was able to embed meaningful values in a unique faith-based school setting that she works in.Important links:Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/classroom-management-scoresheet.phpJoin our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSchool 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.

Feb 20, 2023 • 13min
Quick-fire strategies: Frustrated by student refusal? This mindset shift is a game-changer.
Working with students who refuse to follow instructions or to do their work? Then you'll know how stressful (and anxiety-provoking) that situation can be!In this special School Behaviour Secrets episode, I share one mindset shift that will make you walk away from those situations feeling empowered (rather than demoralised.)Important links:Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/classroom-management-scoresheet.phpJoin our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSchool 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.

Feb 13, 2023 • 30min
Why The Words We Use Actually Matter
Have you ever stopped to think about the power of the words we use? When a child is told something often enough, they can begin to believe it.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the hidden damage that words can do to our pupils and the importance of choosing our words carefully; separating the pupil from their behaviour.Important links:Get our FREE SEN Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/SEN-handbook.phpJoin our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpShare this podcast with your friends:School 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.

Feb 6, 2023 • 28min
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD: What Teachers And Parents Need To Know
Discover the concept of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on children with ADHD. The discussion emphasizes how criticism can feel like a personal attack, triggering emotional turmoil and defensive behaviors. Explore the connection between emotional challenges and classroom dynamics, and how these can influence self-esteem and social skills. Guidelines for educators and parents are provided to foster supportive environments, enhancing emotional awareness and promoting positive interactions in challenging situations.

Jan 30, 2023 • 33min
The Benefits of Regular Exercise on Pupils' Focus and Behaviour With Dr. Julian Reed
We all know that being active is good for our physical health, but did you know that physical activity also positively affects brain development?In this week's School Behaviour Secrets episode, we interview Dr Julian Reed. He reveals how exercise can improve pupils' focus and engagement in their learning and how physical exertion can even reduce hyperactivity.Important links:Visit Dr. Julian Reed's website hereJoin our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload our FREE Managing Strong Emotions (like anger and anxiety) guide here:Download other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSchool 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.

Jan 23, 2023 • 22min
Do Reward Charts Make Any Difference?
Are reward charts actually effective? They've been used for years, but have you considered that they might actually be damaging to your pupils development?In this week's School Behaviour Secrets episode, we discuss the 'dangers' of using reward charts and how they should be used effectively to support pupils in the classroom.Important links:Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/classroom-management-scoresheet.phpJoin our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSchool 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.

Jan 16, 2023 • 23min
Revealed: The Differences Between ODD and PDA
School 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.

Jan 9, 2023 • 35min
How To Teach Social Skills In The Classroom With Miriam Campbell
Social skills are essential for surviving and thriving in school - helping pupils connect with one another, understand social boundaries and cope with the demands of the classroom. But what happens if a student has difficulties with one or more of these social skills?In this week's School Behaviour Secrets, we interview Miriam Campbell - author, former teacher and speech language pathologist. She explains exactly what social skills are, what to do if one of your students is having difficulties interacting socially - and how to get them to develop and use new social skills in the classroom.Important links:Book a free consultation with Miriam hereBuy Miriam's Bubble Double book hereGet it touch with Miriam by email: miriam@skillsforconnection.comVisit Miriam's website Skills For Connection.Join our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSchool 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.

Jan 2, 2023 • 27min
How To Help Pupils Manage 'Big Emotions'
Ever wondered why children (and adults) lose self-control when faced with big emotions, such as anger and anxiety?In this School Behaviour Secrets episode, we share one simple strategy that you can use right away to help pupils understand and manage their emotions.Important links:Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/classroom-management-scoresheet.phpJoin our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.phpDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.phpSchool 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.


