School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

Consistency across classrooms isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s the foundation of your school culture. When pupils see one teacher give a warning, another skip straight to sanctions, and a third ignore the same behaviour completely, the message is clear: the rules don’t really matter. For children with SEMH needs, that unpredictability can even fuel anxiety, dysregulation, and mistrust.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we dig into why consistency is so hard to achieve in schools and why even the best policies fail without it. You’ll learn how the Beckhard-Harris change equation explains resistance to new approaches—and why accountability is the missing ingredient most schools overlook. Plus, we’ll show you how to balance predictability with professional judgement, so staff don’t feel like robots while still pulling in the same direction.Most importantly, we share practical steps school leaders can use right now: building “useful dissatisfaction,” co-creating a clear vision, breaking change into small, achievable first steps, and embedding supportive accountability. If you want to transform behaviour culture, reduce stress for staff, and create safety for pupils, this episode will show you exactly how to make consistency stick.Links: Download the SEND Behaviour Handbook for FREE Get more free resources about SEMH from Beacon School Support from this page 

 From November 2025, inclusion, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing are set to take centre stage during Ofsted inspections. But what does this mean for schools in practice – especially when it comes to supporting SEMH? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we unpack the key changes in the new framework and answer the questions school leaders and teachers are already asking. Will Ofsted finally “get” SEMH? How will inspectors judge behaviour when it looks different for pupils with additional needs? And what does “exceptional” practice actually look like under the new rules? More importantly, you’ll discover the practical steps you can take now to prepare your policies, staff, and systems – so you’re inspection-ready and future-ready. If you want clarity on what Ofsted’s new approach really means for behaviour and SEMH in your school, this episode is for you.Links: Download the SEND Behaviour Handbook for FREE Get more free resources about SEMH from Beacon School Support from this page 

 When we think of ADHD, most people picture the stereotype: a restless boy bouncing off the walls, blurting out answers, unable to sit still. But here’s the problem - that picture is incomplete. And because of it, thousands of girls with ADHD are being missed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we share why ADHD often looks different in girls, how history and diagnostic tools built on boys’ behaviours still shape who gets recognised today, and why masking makes it even harder to see what’s going on. Drawing on research from the UK, US, and Sweden, he unpacks the hidden reasons why girls are diagnosed years later than boys - often only after anxiety or depression take hold. More importantly, you’ll learn what teachers can do right now: how to spot the red flags, support girls who may be masking, and put in place ADHD-friendly classroom strategies without waiting for a diagnosis. If you’ve ever taught a pupil who seems bright but scattered, sensitive yet disorganised, or “fine” at school but falling apart at home, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Links: Download the SEND Behaviour Handbook for FREE Get more free resources about SEMH from Beacon School Support from this page 

 Ever tried every de-escalation strategy in the book—calm voice, supportive stance, soothing words—only to watch a student keep spiralling? The problem isn’t you. The problem is that de-escalation on its own isn’t enough. In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we reveal why de-escalation so often fails in the heat of the moment, and introduce a new way of thinking about pupil behaviour: the PAINs framework (Primary Areas of Internal Need). Discover the five hidden stressors that keep kids dysregulated—physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and prosocial—and how to compensate for them so pupils don’t tip into crisis in the first place. If you’re tired of firefighting meltdowns and want practical strategies to prevent them instead, this episode is packed with insights you can use in your classroom tomorrow. Links: Download the SEND Behaviour Handbook for FREE Get more free resources about SEMH from Beacon School Support from this page 

Are one-to-one teaching assistants really the best way to support students with SEMH needs?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the myth of 1:1 support and its unintended consequences for schools and students.Discover why this topic resonates with teachers and SENCOs working to support pupils with a high level of need and how rethinking your approach could empower independence and resilience in a more sustainable way.Important links:CHECK OUT BEHAVIOUR 360 today if you want a joined up approach to SEMH in your school, with instant access to flexible, on-demand training: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/behaviour_360.phpPop over to our YouTube channel where you can subscribe and keep up to date with any new releases.Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.php

Should bullying be viewed as trauma? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we speak with guests Paula Timms and Nathalie Noret from Kidscape about groundbreaking research on the lasting impact caused by bullying.Discover how trauma-informed practices can transform how schools support students, reduce harm, and challenge misconceptions about bullying. Tune in for practical strategies every teacher, school leader, and parent needs to know.Important links:Explore Kidscape’s resources and research by visiting their website.Download our FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.php

Are you struggling with behaviour in your school or feeling a disconnect between staff and students? Then this episode is for you!Join us as we sit down with guest Stephen Steinhaus to unpack how relational behaviour policies, with a focus on relationships – not just rules - can raise standards, improve behaviour, and transform teaching in your school.Important links:Get our FREE Classroom Management Scoresheet HERE!Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.php

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 educational psychologists are impacting our vulnerable students, and what needs to be done to ensure every child has a fair chance to succeed.Important links:To read the report by The British Psychological SocietyLearn more at: Twitter Facebook YouTube LinkedInGet our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.php

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 and attendance, and urges educators to consider these unseen factors when supporting neurodivergent students.Important links:Visit the SEDSConnective website here!To read Jane's article on Co-Occurring Physical Health Challenges In Neurodivergent Children access this link.Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.php

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:Visit the Neuro Inclusion Website UK here!Connect with Melissa through InstagramOr on Facebook!Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources.php