Episode Details

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:

• Why children do still make choices - even when emotions run high
• The truth about trauma-informed practice (and why it doesn’t lower expectations)
• Why consequences matter even when they don’t “fix” behaviour
• Why SEMH can’t replace behaviour systems - and what happens when schools try

This isn’t about winning arguments.

It’s about clearing away the half-truths that sabotage classrooms and replacing them with thinking that actually works.

If you’re a teacher or school leader who wants calmer classrooms, fairer systems and a better understanding of what’s really going on underneath behaviour, this episode will give you clarity - not slogans.

Important links:

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

Download other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/resources

School leaders: Join us at the National SEMH Conference (October 2026)
It's a whole day focused on the real SEMH, behaviour and inclusion pressures facing schools - and what leaders can do next. Plus, right now you can get Super Early Bird tickets at £250 - find out more and book your place here.