School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

How Executive Function Can Trigger Student Dysregulation

12 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if a pupil’s dysregulation isn’t just about behaviour - but about hidden executive function demands they can’t yet manage?In this episode o...

SEND Reform Is Coming: What It Means For Behaviour And SEMH In Schools

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Why The Students Who Need Your Help the Most Are the Ones Who Reject It (Understanding Avoidant Attachment)

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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, mentorin...

Why Social Media Makes Children’s Behaviour Worse (And How To Help)

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

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

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emotional regulation is not a curriculum - and treating it like one backfires.Many pupils can explain their emotions, name calming strategies, and tal...

Kids Aren’t Less Resilient - We’re Training It Out Of Our Students

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More children are struggling to cope with small setbacks in school.Mistakes feel overwhelming. Frustration escalates quickly. And learning grinds to a...

Why “Be More Assertive” Is Bad Advice – And What Actually Works in Classrooms

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Teachers are often told they need to be “more assertive” in the classroom.But what does that actually mean when behaviour starts to wobble, pressu...

The SENCO Bottleneck: Why the Role Is Becoming Impossible in Caring Schools

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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

7 Reasons Why Good Behaviour Policies Fail in Good Schools (And What Leaders Miss)

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 S...

Restorative Conversations Don’t Work for Every Pupil - Here’s How to Fix That

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Restorative conversations are everywhere in schools right now. They’re written into behaviour policies, referenced in Ofsted language, and promoted ...

Behaviour, SEMH and Inclusion in 2026: What’s Really Coming Next

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ac...

The 4 SEMH Myths That Are Making Behaviour In School Worse

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

The January Reset: How To Use The Fresh Start Effect To Transform Classroom Behaviour

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

RSD and ADHD: The Hidden Trigger Behind Sudden Classroom Meltdowns

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fo...

From Festive Chaos To Calm Classrooms - Helping Pupils Cope With Christmas

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas is exciting… but in schools, it can also send behaviour spiralling.Between nativity rehearsals, parties, Christmas jumper day, and all the...

When Rewards Stop Working: How To Build Behaviour That Lasts

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had that moment where your reward system just… stops working? The stickers lose their sparkle, the house points barely register, and suddenly e...

Escape Behaviour Firefighting with the PAIN Framework

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Turn Chatty Classes Into Focused Learning With The T3 Method

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): How to Support Pupils And Avoid Power Struggles

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever worked with a pupil who argues about everything — even the things they secretly agree with?In this episode, we unpack Oppositional Defiant Diso...

How to protect your emotional wellbeing in 5 minutes a day or less

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever get to Friday and feel like your emotional battery’s is fried? You’re not alone. Working in education — especially when supporting pupils w...

Connection Before Correction: 3 Ways To Make It Work In Your Classroom

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“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 d...

Why Isolation Rooms Don’t Work (And What Schools Should Be Doing Instead)

12 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

SummaryDo 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 ...

The Truth About Consistency: Why It’s Hard and How to Nail It

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ofsted’s 2025 Shake-Up: 5 Questions Every School Leader Should Be Asking About Behaviour and SEMH

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 From November 2025, inclusion, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing are set to take centre stage during Ofsted inspections. But what does this mean ...

ADHD in Girls: Why It’s Missed and What Teachers Can Do

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 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 her...

Why De-escalation Isn’t Enough (And What To Do Instead)

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Ever tried every de-escalation strategy in the book—calm voice, supportive stance, soothing words—only to watch a student keep spiralling? The p...

The Myth of 1:1 Support: Why 1:1 Support Isn’t Always the Answer for SEMH Success in Schools

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Is Bullying A Form Of Trauma? Insights From Kidscape's New Research (With Paula Timms & Nathalie Noret)

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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)

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 do...

SEND At Breaking Point: Educational Psychologists Sound The Alarm On Support In Schools (With Dr. Gavin Morgan)

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Educational psychologists play a vital role in supporting students’ special educational needs and mental health. Yet, a recent British Psychological...

Unseen Struggles: The Surprising Link Between Pain And Neurodivergence (With Jane Green)

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What if neurodivergent students' behaviours were actually signals of physical pain?In this thought-provoking episode, Jane Green, MBE, a passiona...

Creating Inclusive Schools: The Neuro Ambassadors' Programme Explained! (With Melissa Leggett)

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Quick-Fire Strategies: Small Mindset Shifts - Big Classroom Wins!

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Essentials: The Hidden Cost of Bullying - Uncovering the Brain's Response to Abuse

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Helping Teachers Thrive: Strategies for Managing Tough Classes (with Jessica Werner)

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Essentials: How To Manage Chatty Classes

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Join the conversation…. Prioritising Well-Being - Strategies for Educators Facing Burnout! (With Kate Whittlesey)

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Essentials: Improve Your De-Escalation Skills with This Simple Mindset Shift

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Empowering Educators: Supporting Students at Risk of Criminal Exploitation (With Desmond Skyers and Steve Warner)

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Essentials: Restorative Practice In Schools - Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you using, or thinking about introducing, restorative practice in your school?When done right, it teaches conflict resolution and encourages posit...

Why Kids Get Excluded From School (And What We Can Do About It)

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore the rise in suspensions and permanent exclusions, revealing the most common causes.Learn proac...

Essentials: Connection Before Correction - A Key Strategy for SEMH Success (With Adele Bates)

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There's been a concerning rise in children facing SEMH challenges in schools. So, how can teachers and educators effectively empathize with these...

The Impact Of Adaptive Teaching On Pupils With SEMH Needs With George Athanasiou

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know language processing disorders can be a major driver of challenging classroom behaviour?Often overlooked, but critical in supporting stude...

How To Quickly Identify SEMH Needs In School Children

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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!

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What's the future looking like for the School Behaviour Secrets podcast?In this preview episode, we unveil the exciting new direction for the pod...

How To Write A Successful Pupil Regulation Plan

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine a classroom where students step into virtual worlds to learn essential social skills and prepare for life's challenges. This vision is be...

ADHD in Focus: Strategies for Classroom Success With Abby Moehringer

07 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we ask: What are the most effective strategies for helping students with ADHD in the classroom?Our guest,...

Essentials: Pro Regulation - Helping Students Understand And Manage Their ‘Big’ Emotions

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you supporting children who frequently lose self-control when faced with big emotions like anger and anxiety?In this Essentials episode of School ...

Autistic And OK (With Joss Lambert and Lily Ashby)

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Essentials: Recognising The Differences Between Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)isode

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome (PDA) can look similar, but they're actually very different.In thi...

How Social Scripts Can Transform Pupil Behaviour (With Sue Larkey)

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you searching for effective ways to support students who struggle with social interactions? Social scripts could be the game-changer you've b...

Essentials: Understanding the Significance of "Masking" Behaviour in Classroom Settings

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ca...

Developmental Language Disorder - What Teachers And Parents Need To Know (With Tiffany Voigt)

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) with Tiffany Voigt, experienced speech and language path...

Essentials: Reduce Bullying By Building A Positive School Culture (With Alex Holmes)

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Holm...

Creative Approaches To Help Children Experiencing Sadness (With Clare Williams)

09 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of School Behaviour Secrets we explore how to support pupils who are experiencing long term persistent feelings of sadness...

Essentials: Understanding The Science Behind ADHD Medication With Dr. Walt Karniski

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Deciding whether to medicate your child for ADHD is hard. How can you be sure it's the right call?This week on the School Behaviour Secrets podca...

Using The PACE Approach For Effective Behaviour Management

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you working with pupils with a history of trauma in your classroom and their behaviour is often heightened, unpredictable, and difficult to manage...

Quick-Fire Strategies: The De-Escalation Danger Zone

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you have to de-escalate a heightened student, you'll know that it's hard work, it&ap...

Essentials: Understanding Children With Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the past, children who struggle to attend school have been described as 'school refusers,' implying that their behaviour stems from wilfu...

Using The Boxall Profile To Shape Social, Emotional and Mental Health Support In Schools (With Arti Sharma)

19 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you searching for ways to support your students' social, emotional, and mental health needs in the classroom? Or have you put interventions i...

Essentials: Unlocking Potential - Strategies to Overcome Work Refusal in the Classroom

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you working with a pupil who just won't complete their work? Then it's time to start thinking about what could be behind their reluctanc...

An Emotions-Led Approach To Tackling Bullying In Schools (With Alain Pelletier)

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As any educator knows, the battle against bullying is ongoing, and the moment we become complacent, cases tend to rise. But what if we could address b...

Essentials: Is Mindfulness Effective In Helping Children Handle Their Emotions?

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking for innovative ways to support your students' social and emotional well-being? Want to create a more inclusive and nurturing lear...

Why Kids Find It Hard To Escape Anxiety

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to support students dealing with anxiety in your school? You're not alone. Anxiety among students is a growing concern for par...

Essentials: Creating The Right Mindset For Managing Challenging Pupils

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to supporting kids with social, emotional, mental health and behaviour needs, your mindset is everything.Join us in this Essentials epis...

Understanding Impulsive Behaviour: Strategies For Classroom Success

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why some students struggle with impulsivity more than others? Are you facing challenges with managing impulsive pupil behaviour...

Essentials: What Really Drives ADHD Behaviour? Exploring The Science With Jeff Copper

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt puzzled by the challenges that students with ADHD face in the classroom or wondered why children with ADHD seem to struggle with ta...

How To Improve Lunchtime Behaviour

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you searching for ways to improve lunchtime experiences for pupils and staff in your school?Join us in this week's episode of School Behaviou...

Essentials: Strategies For Reducing Low Level Classroom Disruption

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Low level classroom disruption hinders both teaching and learning, and creates unnecessary classroom stress on a daily basis. So what can you do about...

Avoid These 7 Deadly Classroom Management Sins: They Lead To Instant Behaviour Failure

14 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt like you're constantly battling to maintain order in your classroom? Are you working with a tricky class and it feels like not...

Quick-Fire Strategies: How To Reduce Attention-Seeking Behaviour In Class

07 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're working with students who present with attention seeking behaviours in school, or maybe you're a parent and you're seeing tha...

Quick-Fire Strategies: How To Use Reward Charts Effectively

31 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel overwhelmed by the complexities of classroom behaviour? Are you looking for a straightforward approach to behaviour management?Sometimes, ...

Essentials: Three Key Strategies To Improve Classroom Behaviour

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how successful teachers maintain a purposeful classroom?In today's episode we share 3 actionable hacks for enhancing whole class be...

Why Classroom Punishments (And Zero Tolerance Strategies) Stop Working

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are some of your pupils stuck in a never-ending cycle of negative behaviour? Does it feel like your classroom consequences are failing to have an impa...

Essentials: Supporting Children Through Bereavement And Grief In Schools (With Justine Wilson)

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The death of a close family member can deeply affect a student's emotional well-being, leaving educators wondering how to create a supportive env...

Discover The Transformative Power Of Music For Pupils With SEMH Needs! (With Henry Walker-Brown)

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you working with kids who are disengaged, lack confidence, opt out, lack social skills, or are on the verge of exclusion?In this episode we sit do...

Essentials: Making sense of Classroom Behaviour

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to understand why some students consistently exhibit challenging behaviour in the classroom?In this week's episode of School B...

How To Support Pupils To Improve Attendance In Your School.

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling with attendance challenges in your school?Attendance plays a crucial role in a student's academic success and overall well-bei...

Essentials: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) - A Guide For Teachers

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of School Behaviour Secrets!Have you ever wondered about that one child in every class who seems to challenge authority at ...

Supporting Students' Social, Emotional And Mental Health Needs In The Early Years

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you facing challenges in supporting young learners' social, emotional, and mental health needs in the Early Years classroom?In this week&apos...

Essentials: Key Classroom Management Strategies To Transform Pupil Behaviour (With Rob Plevin)

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a teacher looking for effective classroom management strategies that promote positive behaviour and student success?Join us as we dive deep in...

Navigating Neurodiversity In The Classroom (With Frances Akinde)

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are schools ready for neuro-inclusive learning environments? What practical strategies can you take to make your schools welcoming and successful for ...

Essentials: How To Support Students Affected By ACEs And Trauma (With Rebecca Brooks)

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Working with pupils affected by ACEs or a history of trauma and you're not sure how to support them? Or maybe you're working with two pupils...

How To Set Up A Successful SEND Hub In Your School

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you grappling with the challenge of effectively supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in your school?In our latest e...

Quick-Fire Strategies: Reducing Exclusion Rates for SEMH Students

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are exclusion and suspension rates among SEMH students causing concern in your school?In our latest quick-fire episode of School Behaviour Secrets we ...

Essentials: Rethinking Behaviour Charts - How Effective Are They Really?

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we ask what your thoughts are on behaviour charts. Do you think that they're effective in recognising and nurturing good behaviour? Or do y...

Demand Avoidance Or PDA? Insights For Educators

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you working with children who constantly avoid tasks and resist demands either at home or in the classroom?If you are, then it's important to...

Essentials: EFT Tapping - A Simple Technique To Help Children Manage Their Emotions (With Deborah Miller)

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

EFT tapping could be the solution that you need to help your pupils learn to handle their emotions and stress in a way that leaves them feeling calm, ...

Supporting Social And Emotional Learning Through Effective After School Programmes With Lauren Sanchez Gilbert

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about the factors that can truly transform students' learning experiences after school hours?In our most recent School Behaviour Secrets ...

Essentials: The Invisible Struggle - Recognising Social Anxiety As A Trigger For Classroom Behaviour

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding the reasons why certain pupils appear unresponsive to our behaviour strategies can sometimes be challenging. Learning to look for underl...

Four Key SEMH Takeaways And Strategies To Focus On In 2024

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you working with students who get dysregulated easily, have difficulty learning social and emotional skills or learning from their past behaviour?...

Essentials: Interactive Whiteboards In The Classroom - Friend Or Foe?

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever considered the impact of the regular use of interactive whiteboards on your students' learning? Does it actually enhance pupil enga...

The Story Exchange Model: Nurturing Emotional And Social Connections In Schools with Sean McGrath

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking for solutions to help you develop stronger social and emotional connections between the pupils in your school? Do you want to develop ...

Essentials: Transforming Lunchtime Playground Behaviour with Therese Hoyle

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you looking for ways to improve student behaviour at lunchtimes and develop their social and emotional skills in a way that is immediate and effec...

Three Essential Steps To Boost Student Motivation

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do the pupils you work with lack motivation? Do they seem disengaged with their learning or lose interest in tasks quickly?Discover three crucial teac...

Quick-Fire Strategies: A Different Way To Measure SEMH Progress

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you working with pupils with SEMH needs? Do their targets feel unrealistic and unachievable? Do you feel like you are making no progress?Then star...

Quick-Fire Strategies: Behaviour Plans Or SEN Plans - Which Is Best?

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you questioning whether to implement behaviour plans or SEN plans to support your pupils effectively?Join us as we unravel the differences between...

Essentials: Empathy Matters - A Guide For Educators!

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do the children you work with seem to lack empathy? Is this affecting their ability to handle social interactions? How do you even begin to teach them...