School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton
Channel Details
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 ma...
Recent Episodes
261 episodes
Restorative Conversations Don’t Work for Every Pupil - Here’s How to Fix That
Restorative conversations are everywhere in schools right now. They’re written into behaviour policies, referenced in Ofsted language, and promoted as...
Behaviour, SEMH and Inclusion in 2026: What’s Really Coming Next
In 2026 the government is going to make big changes in how schools handle behaviour, SEMH and inclusion.
The question is: are we ready for what...
The 4 SEMH Myths That Are Making Behaviour In School Worse
Some of the most damaging ideas about behaviour in schools don’t sound wrong.
They sound kind.
They sound scientific.
They sound pro...
The January Reset: How To Use The Fresh Start Effect To Transform Classroom Behaviour
The first week of January isn’t just “back to school” - it’s one of the most effective behaviour intervention points of the entire year. In this episo...
RSD and ADHD: The Hidden Trigger Behind Sudden Classroom Meltdowns
When a pupil goes from “fine” to “furious” because you asked them to correct one sentence, it’s easy to think they’re overreacting. But for many child...
From Festive Chaos To Calm Classrooms - Helping Pupils Cope With Christmas
Christmas is exciting… but in schools, it can also send behaviour spiralling.
Between nativity rehearsals, parties, Christmas jumper day, and al...
When Rewards Stop Working: How To Build Behaviour That Lasts
Ever had that moment where your reward system just… stops working? The stickers lose their sparkle, the house points barely register, and suddenly eve...
Escape Behaviour Firefighting with the PAIN Framework
When pupils show persistent, emotionally escalated behaviour, it’s easy to focus on the surface - the shouting, the refusal, the walking out - and mi...
Turn Chatty Classes Into Focused Learning With The T3 Method
Got a class that just won’t stop talking? The kind where the chatter keeps creeping back in, no matter how many times you settle them? We feel your pa...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): How to Support Pupils And Avoid Power Struggles
Ever worked with a pupil who argues about everything — even the things they secretly agree with?
In this episode, we unpack Oppositional...
How to protect your emotional wellbeing in 5 minutes a day or less
Ever get to Friday and feel like your emotional battery’s is fried? You’re not alone. Working in education — especially when supporting pupils with SE...
Connection Before Correction: 3 Ways To Make It Work In Your Classroom
“Connection before correction” has become a bit of a buzz phrase in education — but what does it actually mean in a real classroom? How do you do it i...
Why Isolation Rooms Don’t Work (And What Schools Should Be Doing Instead)
Summary
Do isolation rooms really work? And if they do… why do we see the same pupils sitting in them day after day?
In this...
The Truth About Consistency: Why It’s Hard and How to Nail It
Consistency across classrooms isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s the foundation of your school culture. When pupils see one teacher give a warning, anot...
Ofsted’s 2025 Shake-Up: 5 Questions Every School Leader Should Be Asking About Behaviour and SEMH
From November 2025, inclusion, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing are set to take centre stage during Ofsted inspections. But what does this mean f...
ADHD in Girls: Why It’s Missed and What Teachers Can Do
When we think of ADHD, most people picture the stereotype: a restless boy bouncing off the walls, blurting out answers, unable to sit still. But here...
Why De-escalation Isn’t Enough (And What To Do Instead)
Ever tried every de-escalation strategy in the book—calm voice, supportive stance, soothing words—only to watch a student keep spiralling? The proble...
The Myth of 1:1 Support: Why 1:1 Support Isn’t Always the Answer for SEMH Success in Schools
Are one-to-one teaching assistants really the best way to support students with SEMH needs?
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we expl...
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 ab...
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...
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 S...
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 passio...
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 Beh...
Quick-Fire Strategies: Small Mindset Shifts - Big Classroom Wins!
Are you struggling with a class that feels completely out of control? Is this making you feel stressed?
It can be easy to feel like classroom be...
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 emotiona...
Helping Teachers Thrive: Strategies for Managing Tough Classes (with Jessica Werner)
Are you struggling with a tough class? Feeling overwhelmed as a result?
Join us and guest expert Jessica Werner, as we share practical strategie...
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...
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...
Essentials: Improve Your De-Escalation Skills with This Simple Mindset Shift
Whilst every pupil's needs are unique, there's one key mindset shift that can enhance your de-escalation skills.
In this week's episode, we unco...
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...
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 encourage...
Why Kids Get Excluded From School (And What We Can Do About It)
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the rise in suspensions and permanent exclusions, revealing the most common causes.
Lear...
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 stud...
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 s...
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 supportin...
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 y...
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 p...
How To Write A Successful Pupil Regulation Plan
Are you working with students who frequently get dysregulated in school, lose control of their emotions, and find it hard to use agreed strategies for...
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 becomin...
ADHD in Focus: Strategies for Classroom Success With Abby Moehringer
In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we ask: What are the most effective strategies for helping students with ADHD in the classroom?
Our...