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
Feb 14, 2022 • 31min
How To Support Children Through Grief And Bereavement With Justine Wilson
Experiencing the death of a close family member will have a massive impact on the emotional well-being of any student. But how do we - as teachers and educator - support pupils through this difficult time?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we interview Justin Wilson, a counsellor with Edward's Trust who's highly experienced at supporting kids through bereavement. She explains how to open up a conversation about grief, what to say to your student. and what to avoid saying.Important links:The Edward's Trust website (including online resources)Edward's Trust YouTube page with videosJoin 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 7, 2022 • 25min
The Surprising Truth About Teenagers And Mental Health Conditions with John Jerrim
Many teachers and parents associate the rise in mental health needs we see in teenagers with the move to secondary education. where they are faced with increased exam pressure, given greater independence and responsibility, and have to cope with the expectations of many teachers across a range of subjects.But is there any evidence to support this idea? Or is it a myth? In this week's interview with John Jerrim, we explore his surprising research into secondary education and the mental wellbeing of teenagers.Important links: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 31, 2022 • 34min
Why some kids make poor behaviour choices
All forms of human behaviour fall into one of four categories. And understanding these behaviour types is critical for managing challenging pupil behaviour in the classroom - especially when a student is affected by an underlying special need (like autism or ADHD).In this episode, we reveal what those behaviour types are... and explain why some kids make poor behaviour choices, get stuck in patterns of destructive behaviour, and never seem to learn from their mistakes.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.
Jan 24, 2022 • 26min
A Teacher's Guide To Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Dive into the complexities of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and discover how it affects classroom dynamics. Understand key behaviors like irritability and defiance, and learn how to differentiate ODD from other conditions. Explore the unique challenges of managing behavior, including the role of parenting styles. Strategies for effective choice-making are shared, emphasizing the importance of a neutral tone and early intervention. Plus, discover essential resources for educators to support children with ODD and create a positive learning environment.
Jan 17, 2022 • 30min
Classroom Management Strategies That Transform Pupil Behaviour with Rob Plevin
Classroom management is an essential skill for making sure your pupils are on task, engage with lessons and learn well. But precisely what should we be saying - and doing - to make this happen in our classrooms?Rob Plevin is an author and expert on the topic of classroom management. And in this episode, he explains the exact techniques he uses to create a productive learning environment, how to encourage more positive student behaviour AND build strong adult:pupil relationships in the classroom.Important links:Sign up for Rob Plevin's free classroom management web classJoin 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 10, 2022 • 44min
How To Create A Trauma And Attachment Aware Classroom with Rebecca Brooks
When a child experiences early trauma, or develops an insecure attachment with their parent, the impact can last for years. It can negatively affect how they regulate their emotions, interact with others and cope in the busy school environment.In this episode, author and expert Rebecca Brooks explains the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and behaviour in school, and shares practical strategies for building an inclusive, trauma and attachment aware classroom - with the aim of creating success for all.Important links:Get Rebecca's book, The Trauma and Attachment Aware Classroom.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.
Jan 3, 2022 • 28min
Is It Time To Rip Up Classroom Behaviour Charts?
Classroom behaviour charts have been used for decades to help support positive behaviour in class (and discourage negative behaviour). But are they actually doing more harm than good?In today's episode, we look at the pros and cons of using behaviour charts to manage whole class behaviour. We'll be asking if charts are a great way of providing recognition for good behaviour - or do they just publicly shame kids with behaviour needs?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.
Dec 13, 2021 • 23min
How COVID Has Impacted On Pupils' Emotional Well-Being In Schools
Since September, have you been surprised by the change in the emotional well-being - and classroom behaviour - of the kids in your class? Noticed less resilience, less ability to focus, fewer social skills and asked... is this just my class? Or my school?To answer that question, we surveyed our community to assess the change of SEMH needs schools are seeing in their students. And in this episode, we share the results, revealing the true impact of COVID and lockdown... and the challenges we face supporting our pupils in 2022.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.
Dec 6, 2021 • 31min
How To Use EFT Tapping To Help Pupils Manage Emotions And Stress With Deborah Miller
In this engaging discussion, Deborah Miller, an EFT Tapping expert, shares how this technique can transform emotional well-being for children. She highlights the importance of acknowledging a spectrum of emotions and introduces EFT as a simple, effective way to help students manage stress and anxiety. Deborah discusses practical tapping exercises that are accessible for kids, especially those with challenges like ADHD. Educators and parents are encouraged to model emotional regulation practices and create supportive environments for their students.
Nov 29, 2021 • 24min
Are interactive whiteboards undermining our classroom management?
In recent years, more and more technologies like interactive whiteboards have been enthusiastically introduced into classrooms. But has the impact on classroom engagement been wholly positive?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore whether interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are a positive force for classroom behaviour... or whether they're quietly undermining the teacher's ability to run the class.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.phpJoin our FREE Classroom Management and Student Behaviour FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/school.behaviourDownload 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.
