School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

The government’s new SEND reform paper proposes major changes to how schools support pupils with additional needs.

But what does it actually mean for mainstream schools, teachers and SENCOs?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we break down the key changes in the proposed SEND reforms and explains what they could mean for SEMH support in schools.

You’ll learn:

• Why mainstream schools will increasingly be expected to meet SEND needs earlier

• How the new layers of support (Universal, Targeted and Specialist provision) are designed to work

• W...

Some of the pupils who need the most support are the ones who refuse it.

They say they’re fine. They push adults away. They avoid check-ins, mentoring and pastoral support - then struggle or explode under pressure.

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why this happens, through the lens of avoidant attachment. Not as a label, but as a way of understanding why help itself can feel unsafe for some children.

You’ll learn why well-meaning support strategies sometimes backfire, what rejecting help is really communicating, and how small shif...

Why do children sometimes say things online they would never say face to face?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why social media can make behaviour escalate so quickly - and why it’s not simply about children being unkind. 

Drawing on psychology and real-world school experience, we explain how social media and messaging apps remove the natural feedback that helps children regulate their behaviour - and why that’s important.

You’ll come away with a brain-based framework to understand online cruelty in children that you can share with staf...

Emotional regulation is not a curriculum - and treating it like one backfires.

Many pupils can explain their emotions, name calming strategies, and talk confidently about what they “should” do… yet still struggle to cope when things get hard in the classroom.

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why teaching emotional regulation as a set of lessons often doesn’t work, and how schools can accidentally make things worse by confusing facts about regulation with emotional regulation skills.

Using a real-world pupil story, we break down:

More children are struggling to cope with small setbacks in school.

Mistakes feel overwhelming. Frustration escalates quickly. And learning grinds to a halt.

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why this isn’t about children being “less resilient” - and why common advice like “push through” or “try harder” often makes things worse.

You’ll learn how modern home and school environments have reduced children’s opportunities to practise coping with difficulty - and what that means for behaviour, learning and staff workload.

You’ll discover:

Teachers are often told they need to be “more assertive” in the classroom.

But what does that actually mean when behaviour starts to wobble, pressure rises, and everyone’s watching?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn what assertiveness really looks like in practice - and why it isn’t about being louder, stricter, or more dominant. Instead, it’s about clarity, calm and making better decisions before you even open your mouth.

You’ll explore why many behaviour confrontations escalate because adults are focused on “winning” the moment, and how redefining wha...

In many schools, the SENCO role has become the pressure point where everything ends up - SEND, SEMH, behaviour, parent concerns, paperwork and managing crises and pupil outbursts.

And when that happens, how SEND and SEMH is supported across the school starts to break down.

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why the SENCO job has become increasingly difficult even in caring, well-intentioned schools - and why this isn’t about individual failure.

You’ll see how a range of factors have unintentionally made the role of SENCO the single...

On paper, your behaviour policy makes sense… so why doesn’t it work in every classroom - and for every pupil?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn the 7 reasons why good behaviour policies often fail in good schools - even when leaders care, staff are committed and the intentions are right.

Drawing on nearly two decades of work with real schools, we unpack the hidden reasons behaviour policies stumble: why copying “best practice” from other settings can backfire, why consistency breaks down under pressure and what happens when policies are launched but never...

Restorative conversations are everywhere in schools right now. They’re written into behaviour policies, referenced in Ofsted language, and promoted as the gold standard for repairing harm and building accountability.

But what happens when those conversations don’t work - especially for pupils with SEND?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why:

·         standard restorative conversations can break down for pupils with communication difficulties, empathy differences, trauma histories or rejection sensitive dysphoria

·         what restorative practice assumes about children’s skills, why some pupils struggle to access those conversations

·         how t...

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 that actually means?

In this episode, we makes a series of predictions about where the system is heading next year - not based on politics or policy promises, but on how schools really work when money, policy and classroom reality collide.

Some of these predictions may make you uncomfortable. Others may feel uncomfortably familiar.

But if you want a grounded, experience-led perspective on what’s coming...

Some of the most damaging ideas about behaviour in schools don’t sound wrong.

They sound kind.

They sound scientific.

They sound progressive.

And that’s exactly why they stick.

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, Simon Currigan unpacks four popular SEMH myths that are quietly making behaviour worse - not because people mean badly, but because good ideas have been overstretched, oversimplified, and misunderstood.

You’ll explore:

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 episode, we explore how to harness the psychology of the Fresh Start Effect to reset classroom routines, rebuild relationships and help pupils begin the new term with confidence rather than shame.

You’ll discover:

• Why January works better than September for behaviour resets

• How to create whole-class “New Year resolutions” that shift identity, not just rules

• A powerful symbolic activity to help individual pupils let go of las...

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 children with ADHD, even small corrections can feel like rejection - triggering intense emotional pain known as Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn what RSD actually is, why it’s so strongly linked with ADHD, and how it shows up in the classroom through explosive moments, sudden shutdowns, perfectionism, or quiet withdrawal.

You’ll learn how feedback can unintentionally trigger RSD, why some pupi...

Christmas is exciting… but in schools, it can also send behaviour spiralling.

Between nativity rehearsals, parties, Christmas jumper day, and all the glitter-induced chaos, many pupils tip from festive fun to full-on overwhelm faster than you can say “silent night.”

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, you’ll learn why December is such a challenging month for regulation, the hidden SEMH pressures pupils face and the simple changes that help children stay settled so they can actually enjoy the fun.

You’ll learn:

Ever had that moment where your reward system just… stops working? The stickers lose their sparkle, the house points barely register, and suddenly every child in your class is asking, “What do I get if I follow the rules?” It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and it leaves you wondering what on earth to try next.

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we unpack why reward systems lose power over time – and what the science of motivation says we should be doing instead. We’ll explore the hedonic treadmill, reward inflation, and the classic study that shows how easy...

When pupils show persistent, emotionally escalated behaviour, it’s easy to focus on the surface - the shouting, the refusal, the walking out  - and miss the real cause.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to use the PAIN framework (Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, Social, Prosocial, and Transition needs) to help your pupils make progress with their SEMH needs. You’ll follow the story of Liam, an 11-year-old pupil whose behaviour seemed oppositional - until the PAIN lens revealed hidden what was happening below the surface and driving his behaviour.

You’ll discover:

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 pain!

In this episode, we explain why the problem isn’t talk itself, but unstructured talk - and how to turn your class’s social energy and exuberance into focus, rather than frustration.

You’ll discover the T3 Method: a simple way of structuring your lesson, so pupils get the connection and verbal processing time they need, while keeping your lesson productive and the learning moving forward...

Ever worked with a pupil who argues about everything — even the things they secretly agree with?

In this episode, we unpack Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) — what it is, what it isn’t, and why traditional approaches like confrontation or “tougher boundaries” often backfire.

You’ll discover:

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 SEMH needs — means carrying other people’s emotions all day long. By the end of the week, you’re not just tired, you’re emotionally done.

In this shorter half-term quickfire episode, we dive into the emotional side of teaching — and how to protect your emotional wellbeing in just five minutes a day. You’ll learn simple, practical steps to help your nervous system switch off after a long day of teaching, so you can recharg...

“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 in the middle of a behaviour incident, when stress levels are high and pupils seem least open to connection?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, Simon Currigan unpacks the science and the practice behind this powerful idea. Drawing on the work of psychologists Dan Hughes and Kim Golding, as well as what we know about the autonomic nervous system and the impact of stress on the brain, he explai...

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 episode, we dig into why – for many pupils - isolation rooms don’t change behaviour - and what schools can do instead to support the students who repeatedly end up there.

You’ll discover:

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, another skip straight to sanctions, and a third ignore the same behaviour completely, the message is clear: the rules don’t really matter. For children with SEMH needs, that unpredictability can even fuel anxiety, dysregulation, and mistrust.

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we dig into why consistency is so hard to achieve in schools and why even the best policies fail without it. You’ll learn how the Beckhard-Harris change equation explains r...

 From November 2025, inclusion, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing are set to take centre stage during Ofsted inspections. But what does this mean for schools in practice – especially when it comes to supporting SEMH? 

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we unpack the key changes in the new framework and answer the questions school leaders and teachers are already asking. Will Ofsted finally “get” SEMH? How will inspectors judge behaviour when it looks different for pupils with additional needs? And what does “exceptional” practice actually look like under the new rules? 

More importantly, you’ll discover the practical s...

 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’s the problem - that picture is incomplete. And because of it, thousands of girls with ADHD are being missed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. 

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we share why ADHD often looks different in girls, how history and diagnostic tools built on boys’ behaviours still shape who gets recognised today, and why masking makes it even harder to see what’s going on. Drawing on research from the UK...

 Ever tried every de-escalation strategy in the book—calm voice, supportive stance, soothing words—only to watch a student keep spiralling? The problem isn’t you. The problem is that de-escalation on its own isn’t enough. 

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we reveal why de-escalation so often fails in the heat of the moment, and introduce a new way of thinking about pupil behaviour: the PAINs framework (Primary Areas of Internal Need). Discover the five hidden stressors that keep kids dysregulated—physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and prosocial—and how to compensate for them so pupils don’t t...

Are one-to-one teaching assistants really the best way to support students with SEMH needs?

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the myth of 1:1 support and its unintended consequences for schools and students.

Discover why this topic resonates with teachers and SENCOs working to support pupils with a high level of need and how rethinking your approach could empower independence and resilience in a more sustainable way.

Important links:

CHECK OUT BEHAVIOUR 360 today if you want a joined up approach to SEMH in your school, with instant...

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...

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-handbook

Download other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: ht...

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 T...

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.<...

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 Instagram

Or on Facebook!

Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/send-handbook

Download other...

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 behaviour problems are happening 'to' you, and there's little you can do to make an impact...

So, in this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets we share a simple change in mindset that can help you take back control, get unstuck, and making progress with your students again. Join us to discover how taking small, intentional actions can lead to big improvements in your classroom!

Important...