School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

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...

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...

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?...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Are you struggling with a tough class? Feeling overwhelmed as a result? Join us and guest expert Jessica Werner, as we share practical strategies for turning around difficult classrooms, managing stress, and building...

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...

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...