
School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton
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!
Latest episodes

Oct 13, 2024 • 34min
Join the conversation…. Prioritising Well-Being - Strategies for Educators Facing Burnout! (With Kate Whittlesey)
Do you feel that your role in education is taking a toll on your mental health?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we discuss burnout and the crucial importance of self-care for educators. Join us as we talk to Kate Whittlesey about effective strategies for teachers and school leaders to prioritise their well-being and stay at the top of their game.Important links:Visit the SEND Advisory Team website for advice and information.Here's one link to find out more about the Circles of Influence...and a second one!And Click here to check out The Burnout Report by Mental Health UkGet 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

Oct 8, 2024 • 11min
Essentials: Improve Your De-Escalation Skills with This Simple Mindset Shift
Discover the crucial mindset shift that can elevate your de-escalation skills when handling student meltdowns. Learn the difference between a child's chronological age and their emotional age for better management of classroom disruptions. Explore the complexities of emotional regulation in children, recognizing that skills vary independent of age. Gain insights into navigating emotional states, connecting with adolescents’ feelings while establishing productive dialogues around behavior and consequences.

Oct 6, 2024 • 54min
Empowering Educators: Supporting Students at Risk of Criminal Exploitation (With Desmond Skyers and Steve Warner)
Do you suspect a student might be at risk of criminal exploitation? Have you noticed changes in a student's behaviour or peer group?Recognising the signs early is crucial to making a positive impact... Join us for our latest podcast episode as we discuss the urgent issue of youth violence and gang involvement. Hear insights from Desmond Skyers and Steve Warner of St Giles Trust on how educators can make a difference.Important links:Visit the St Giles SOS+ Service Website if you need advice.Use: Steve.Warner@StGilesTrust.org.uk or education@StGilesTrust.org.uk if you want to contact the team by email.To download our FREE Reducing Exclusion Checklist.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

Oct 1, 2024 • 11min
Essentials: Restorative Practice In Schools - Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Are you using, or thinking about introducing, restorative practice in your school?When done right, it teaches conflict resolution and encourages positive behaviour. But if not introduced effectively, it can erode trust. Discover our top tips for success!Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 55Get 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

14 snips
Sep 29, 2024 • 15min
Why Kids Get Excluded From School (And What We Can Do About It)
The podcast delves into the troubling rise of school exclusions and their underlying causes. It breaks down the differences between suspensions and permanent removals, emphasizing the responsibilities of educators. A focus on the alarming increase in permanent exclusions highlights disruptive behaviors and the need for better support systems. The discussion also sheds light on the complexities faced by students with special needs. Practical strategies are provided to help schools create a more inclusive environment and address the emotional needs of students.

Sep 24, 2024 • 11min
Essentials: Connection Before Correction - A Key Strategy for SEMH Success (With Adele Bates)
There's been a concerning rise in children facing SEMH challenges in schools. So, how can teachers and educators effectively empathize with these students and build trustful relationships?In this episode of the podcast, we speak with Adele Bates, SEMH behaviour specialist and author of 'Miss, I Don't Give a Sh*t! - Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools. Adele shares her expert insights on addressing challenging behaviour and the importance of forming meaningful connections with students.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 54Get 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

Sep 22, 2024 • 36min
The Impact Of Adaptive Teaching On Pupils With SEMH Needs With George Athanasiou
In this episode of the School Behaviour Secrets podcast, we interview educational expert George Athanasiou to discuss the power of adaptive teaching strategies.Discover how flexible and multisensory approaches can dramatically boost student engagement, reduce behavioural issues, and improve outcomes for all learners, especially those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.Important links:Here's the link for George's TikTok accountVisit George Athanasiou's website hereAnd finally, to head over to George's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-athanasiou-5997a7171/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

Sep 18, 2024 • 8min
Essentials: Hidden Challenges: How Language Processing Issues Affect Student Behaviour and Learning
Did you know language processing disorders can be a major driver of challenging classroom behaviour?Often overlooked, but critical in supporting students with special needs, we look into how difficulties with understanding and expressing language affect students' emotions and actions. Effective support can make all the difference.Tune in to the School Behaviour Secrets Podcast for valuable insights that could transform your teaching!Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 29Get 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

Sep 15, 2024 • 15min
How To Quickly Identify SEMH Needs In School Children
For the first time on School Behaviour Secrets we are sharing our podcast on the usual audio format as well as on YouTube as a video podcast. So, if you're someone who prefers to watch rather than listen, you've now got the option of doing either.In today's special podcast, we're exploring one of the most critical issues affecting students - how to quickly and effectively identify pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Whether you're a teacher or a school leader, understanding SEMH is crucial to supporting your students and ensuring no child slips through the cracks. And at the start of a new school year, this episode should not be missed!Important links: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

Sep 10, 2024 • 3min
School Behaviour Secrets' New Format Unveiled!
What's the future looking like for the School Behaviour Secrets podcast?In this preview episode, we unveil the exciting new direction for the podcast. From offering video content to ensuring solo episodes are packed with essential strategies for classroom success, these changes are designed to help you get the most out of your time while supporting the social and emotional needs of your students.Important links:If you want to get in touch to share your thoughts, here's my email: simon@beaconschoolsupport.co.uk
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