

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

22 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 13min
Quick-Fire Strategies: Small Mindset Shifts - Big Classroom Wins!
Feeling overwhelmed by chaotic classroom behavior? Discover how a small mindset shift can empower you to regain control. Learn about the significance of adopting an internal locus of control and how it transforms your approach to managing difficult situations. The conversation focuses on simple, intentional actions that can spark remarkable improvements in student engagement and classroom dynamics. Tune in for practical strategies that lead to a more harmonious learning environment!

Oct 22, 2024 • 11min
Essentials: The Hidden Cost of Bullying - Uncovering the Brain's Response to Abuse
What's the real cost of bullying on a child's health?In this week's episode, we talk to Jessica Fraser about the powerful link between emotional trauma and brain health.Together, we explore how this understanding can transform the way schools approach bullying, offering fresh strategies to protect children and support their emotional and physical development.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 85Get 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

30 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 37min
Helping Teachers Thrive: Strategies for Managing Tough Classes (with Jessica Werner)
Jessica Werner, Founder and CEO of North Shore Learning, shares her insights on managing tough classrooms. She emphasizes the importance of teacher well-being and mental resilience, revealing how personal stress thresholds can affect classroom dynamics. Practical strategies for building empathetic relationships with challenging students are discussed, promoting an inclusive environment. The podcast also highlights the significance of community-building activities and the need for teacher collaboration to enhance engagement and reduce stress.

Oct 15, 2024 • 11min
Essentials: How To Manage Chatty Classes
Are you working with a chatty class? Are you finding the noise overwhelming and feeling frustrated that valuable learning time is being lost?In this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we'll share some of our top tips for managing talkative classes, without squashing their enthusiasm for learning!Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 80Get 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 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