
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

Mar 24, 2023 • 13min
ESSENTIALS: What Really Drives Dysregulation with Stuart Shanker
Ever wondered what really drives students to become dysregulated in school? Because if we can work out what's causing their heightened emotions then we can do something about it.The answer is... probably not what you think it is. In this 10-minute snackable Essentials episode, we share a short clip of our interview with Dr. Stuart Shanker, who explains what really fuels dysregulation... and at what age we can teach kids to start recognising and managing their emotions.Useful links:Want to hear the full interview? Then check out episode 2 of School Behaviour Secrets.Free stress inventory by the Self-Regulation Institute: https://selfregulationinstitute.org/resources/stress-inventory/Self-Reg courses and resources: https://self-reg.ca/Self-Reg book: Amazon.com Amazon.co.ukGet our FREE SEN Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/SEN-handbook.php

Mar 20, 2023 • 29min
Avoiding Burnout: Self-Care Strategies for Teachers
Working in a highly stressful teaching environment? That's going to take its toll on your mental and physical health. Stress is like a warning signal from our body telling us that something isn't quite right.In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we discuss the negative effects exposure to long term stress can have on your body and mind and we reveal our most effective strategies for managing and reducing stress.Important links:The Health Fix by Dr. Ayan Panja The Health FixJoin 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.phpHigher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Mar 17, 2023 • 10min
ESSENTIALS: Teaching Students To Regulate with Leah Kuypers
If you work in education, you're probably seeing more and more dysregulated students in the classroom - and helping them to understand (and manage) strong emotions is becoming a key teaching skill.In this 10-minute snackable Essentials episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we share an excerpt of our interview with Leah Kuypers, where she explains how to use the Zones of Regulation to help children understand their emotions. Want to hear the full interview? Then check out episode 36 of School Behaviour Secrets.Useful links:Learn more about the Zones Of Regulation: https://www.zonesofregulation.com/SEN Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/SEN-handbook.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.php

Mar 13, 2023 • 39min
Why Students And Teachers Are Disconnecting From Education With Don Berg
Disengaged. Burnt-out. Stressed. Does this all sound familiar? More and more pupils (and teachers) are becoming increasingly disconnected from education. But what's really causing this?In this School Behaviour Secrets episode, we interview author & education psychology researcher, Don Berg. We discuss the real reasons why so many people are disconnecting with education, and he reveals some simple strategies you can use right now to help prevent this.Important links:Visit Don's website here: Holistic EquityGet Don's Classroom Climate Assessment ToolRead Don's book Schooling for Holistic Equity.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.phpHigher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Mar 6, 2023 • 26min
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.phpHigher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Feb 27, 2023 • 42min
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.phpHigher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Feb 20, 2023 • 11min
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.php

Feb 13, 2023 • 29min
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:Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Feb 6, 2023 • 27min
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 • 32min
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.phpHigher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify