

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

Dec 2, 2024 • 41min
Is Bullying A Form Of Trauma? Insights From Kidscape's New Research (With Paula Timms & Nathalie Noret)
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

Nov 25, 2024 • 45min
Relationships First: Rethinking Behaviour Policies in Schools (With Stephen Steinhaus)
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

Nov 18, 2024 • 35min
SEND At Breaking Point: Educational Psychologists Sound The Alarm On Support In Schools (With Dr. Gavin Morgan)
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

Nov 11, 2024 • 36min
Unseen Struggles: The Surprising Link Between Pain And Neurodivergence (With Jane Green)
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

Nov 4, 2024 • 38min
Creating Inclusive Schools: The Neuro Ambassadors' Programme Explained! (With Melissa Leggett)
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

22 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 15min
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 • 13min
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

30 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 38min
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 • 12min
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.

Oct 13, 2024 • 35min
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.phpHeadteachers and deputies: Join our in-person event in BradfordWhere you'll learn practical ways to equip your team to handle SEMH challenges with confidence - so you can move from firefighting to a calm, consistent whole-school approach. Register now.


