
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

42 snips
Jul 14, 2024 • 31min
How To Write A Successful Pupil Regulation Plan
This episode delves into crafting effective pupil regulation plans to help students manage emotions. It discusses the importance of identifying triggers and rehearsing new behaviors for better self-regulation. Listeners learn about proactive strategies to maintain calm in classrooms and tackle stressors impacting children. Practical tips for emotion coaching and hands-on practice are emphasized. The hosts also tease upcoming enhancements to provide even more valuable resources for educators.

Jul 9, 2024 • 10min
Essentials: Practical Applications Of Virtual Reality For Reducing Pupil Anxiety
Imagine a classroom where students step into virtual worlds to learn essential social skills and prepare for life's challenges. This vision is becoming a reality through the power of virtual reality (VR).In our latest podcast episode, Ange Anderson, headteacher of an innovative special school in Wales, discusses how VR technology is reshaping educational practices.Join us as we explore how VR can help prepare young people for real life situations and how technology can make life in school easier for everyone.Important links:Click to view Ange's Website hereBuy Ange's book Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence in Special Education hereClick here to hear all of episode 89Get 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

Jul 7, 2024 • 31min
ADHD in Focus: Strategies for Classroom Success With Abby Moehringer
Abby Moehringer, an ADHD expert and BCBA, discusses effective strategies for supporting students with ADHD in the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of teaching emotional regulation skills and offers practical tips, including mindfulness techniques and visual supports. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions about ADHD behaviors and highlights the necessity of creating supportive learning environments. Listeners are encouraged to implement proactive approaches to help students manage strong emotions and stay regulated.

Jul 3, 2024 • 10min
Essentials: Pro Regulation - Helping Students Understand And Manage Their ‘Big’ Emotions
Are you supporting children who frequently lose self-control when faced with big emotions like anger and anxiety?In this Essentials episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we introduce the concept of pro regulation - a proactive approach to emotional management. Learn how to help your students recognise and act on their feelings before they escalate, ensuring a calmer and more controlled classroom environment.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 91Get your FREE Beacon School Support guide to helping children manage their strong emotionsGet 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

Jun 30, 2024 • 40min
Autistic And OK (With Joss Lambert and Lily Ashby)
We want our schools to be welcoming, inclusive places where everyone feels okay about being in school. But for many autistic pupils, that isn't the case. So how do we help?That's the focus for this episode of the School Behaviour Secrets podcast, where we join Joss Lambert and Lily Ashby from the Autistic And OK Programme. They explain the challenges faced by neurodiverse students and what schools can do to help autistic pupils feel accepted and understood.Important links:To find out more about the Autistic And OK Programme click hereGet our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbookDownload 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

16 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 12min
Essentials: Recognising The Differences Between Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)isode
Discover the fascinating distinctions between Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Understand their unique behaviors and support needs crucial for educators. Explore characteristics of ODD, including impulsivity and defiance, and learn about the emotional responses of those with PDA when faced with demands. Gain insights into classroom behaviors and the necessity of tailored strategies to effectively support these children. Delve into the complexities of these conditions to enhance learning experiences.

19 snips
Jun 23, 2024 • 34min
How Social Scripts Can Transform Pupil Behaviour (With Sue Larkey)
Sue Larkey, an expert in supporting students with social interaction challenges, shares powerful insights into using social scripts to transform pupil behavior. She emphasizes that tailored scripts can significantly reduce anxiety and foster independence among neurodiverse learners. The discussion covers strategies for guiding children in social situations, particularly during large gatherings, as well as practical approaches for educators and parents. Larkey also highlights the importance of understanding each child’s unique needs to create a supportive environment.

Jun 18, 2024 • 11min
Essentials: Understanding the Significance of "Masking" Behaviour in Classroom Settings
Many kids with autism become experts at "masking" their true feelings and needs. This can be helpful in the short term, but over time, it can leave them feeling drained and exhausted.So, if you're ready to find out more about supporting children with masking behaviours, then join us for the latest School Behaviour Secrets podcast.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 87Amanda Sokell's website Navigating Neurodiversity.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

Jun 16, 2024 • 42min
Developmental Language Disorder - What Teachers And Parents Need To Know (With Tiffany Voigt)
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) with Tiffany Voigt, experienced speech and language pathologist from eLuma.We cover the hidden challenges faced by students with DLD, and how these affect their learning and behaviour. Discover why early intervention and targeted support are crucial, and learn practical strategies so you can support students with DLD effectively.Important links:Click here to find out more about the support available at eLuma.eLuma online speech therapy.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.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

Jun 11, 2024 • 12min
Essentials: Reduce Bullying By Building A Positive School Culture (With Alex Holmes)
Are you looking for ways to empower your students to stand up against bullying?In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we sit down with Alex Holmes, Deputy CEO of the Diana Award and Vice Chair of the National Anti-Bullying Alliance, to explore innovative strategies for student involvement in anti-bullying initiatives.Important links:Click here to hear all of episode 83Get your FREE Beacon School Support guide to helping children manage their strong emotionsGet 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