The Behaviour Smart Podcast

Courage, determination, and boundless talent converge in this captivating conversation with Niall Guite, a remarkable athlete, artist, and advocate who's redefining possibilities for people with disabilities.

Niall shares his extraordinary journey from a child who couldn't speak until age seven to a two-time Special Olympics gold medalist (basketball in LA 2015 and cycling in Berlin 2023). His candid reflections about school life reveal the isolation many neurodivergent students experience, spending much of his time in special educational departments where he found connection with "other people like me." Through these challenges, supportive teachers emerged as transformative figures—using his passion for football to help him engage with reading and mathematics, making learning accessible through his interests.

What makes Niall's story so powerful is how one success led to another through a simple philosophy: "I never intended to do so much. I just started with one thing and just kept enjoying what I was doing." That approach carried him from sports to advocacy work on the Athlete Leadership Council for Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, and ultimately to delivering a TED Talk—a feat requiring three months of preparation and innovative memory techniques to overcome his speaking challenges.

Beyond athletics, Niall has created "Art With A Special Goal," selling his remarkable stadium illustrations to support Special Olympics programs. With 94% of people with intellectual disabilities not in paid employment, his entrepreneurship creates pathways for others. Even celebrated artist Grayson Perry recognized Niall's talent, awarding him a limited-edition medal and helping him exhibit at the Royal Academy.

Follow Niall's inspiring journey on Instagram @niallguitesogb or visit his website niallguite.com to explore his artwork and witness firsthand how passion, perseverance, and proper support can transform perceived limitations into extraordinary achievements.

https://www.behavioursmart.co.uk

A painful childhood memory of public humiliation over a misspelled Christmas card becomes the unexpected catalyst for a lifelong mission to transform education. Dean Cotton, CEO of Behaviour Smart, takes us on his remarkable journey from a struggling student labeled "stupid" to becoming a pioneering behavior specialist whose methods have achieved a 95% reduction in school behavior incidents.

Dean's story unfolds with disarming honesty as he shares how being misunderstood throughout his school years gave him unique insight into the challenges faced by children whose behavior is often misinterpreted. From his first entrepreneurial venture as a window cleaner ("We rub a little harder!") to his stint as a lorry driver, Dean's path took an unexpected turn when a routine package delivery to a school changed everything. One supportive headteacher, Malcolm Stein, recognised something special in Dean and created an opportunity that would reveal his natural gift for working with children.

This deeply personal narrative illuminates how our greatest wounds can become our greatest strengths. After specialized training, years of classroom experience, and pursuing a master's degree focused on behavior management, Dean developed a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of challenging behaviors. By combining research with practical application, he created Behaviour Smart – not just an incident recording system, but a transformative approach that helps educators truly understand and address the underlying factors driving student behavior. Whether you're an educator, carer, parent, or someone who connects with the experience of being misunderstood, Dean's story reminds us that sometimes our most painful experiences become the foundation for our most meaningful work. Don't miss the next episode, where Dean will delve deeper into how Behaviour Smart was developed and continues to evolve.

https://www.behavioursmart.co.uk

Ever wondered what makes an exceptional school truly exceptional? Mark Allen, Headteacher of Trinity St Edwards in Barnsley, offers a masterclass in educational leadership that challenges conventional wisdom about behavior management and school culture.

Dean Cotton takes us inside an Outstanding-rated school where the approach to student behavior begins not with consequences, but with curiosity. "If I saw a child that was struggling with behavior, I was like why? Where's that coming from?" Mark explains, revealing how this simple shift in perspective transforms both classroom dynamics and student outcomes.

The conversation delves into the art of building a cohesive school culture where every staff member shares the same values. Mark's recruitment philosophy—finding people who will "run through a wall for those kids"—has created a remarkable environment where relationships come first. His practical systems for managing behavior balance clear boundaries with compassion, using data to identify patterns and support needs rather than simply punishing infractions.

Most compelling is Mark's metaphor for relationship-building: students carry jars that gain a pound with each positive interaction but lose seven pounds with each negative one. "If you've got money in that jar, you've got a positive relationship," he explains, illuminating why consistent kindness matters more than occasional discipline.

From reflection rooms that continue learning while addressing behavior to character cards that reward small acts of kindness, Mark shares practical strategies any school can implement. His journey from PE teacher to award-winning headteacher proves that putting students' needs at the center of every decision creates not just better behavior, but a better education.

Discover why Dean was so impressed he enrolled his own daughter at Mark's school, and why his approach to leadership might just change how you think about education itself.

https://www.behavioursmart.co.uk

Transforming Bleasdale School into a thriving educational environment focussed on relationships, behaviour, and proactive strategies is the central theme of this episode. Sefton Booth and Lois Howarth share their experiences and insights on instilling a coaching culture, fostering positive relationships, and the importance of predictability in education. 

• Overview of Bleasdale School's initial challenges 
• The significance of a coaching culture in education 
• Transition from a subject-based to a tailored curriculum 
• Building relationships as a foundation for learning 
• Implementing predictability to enhance learning environments 
• The partnership with Booth’s supermarket for real-world application 
• Engaging staff and managing resistance to change 
• Strategies for proactively addressing student behaviour 
• The holistic approach to supporting special educational needs 

Please reach out and learn more about Behaviour Smart and its commitment to fostering positive behaviour in education.

https://www.behavioursmart.co.uk

What if fostering a sense of belonging in schools could transform lives? Join us as we uncover the powerful impact of inclusion and belonging in educational settings with the help of our insightful guest, Jack Pattinson. As an expert in promoting inclusion, Jack joins us alongside Matthew Rawcliffe, who courageously shares his personal journey of feeling excluded during his school years. Engaging in an essential conversation, we navigate the challenges schools face in creating truly inclusive environments and explore how building positive relationships can cultivate a culture of kindness where every student feels connected and valued. This episode promises to reveal the transformative effects that supportive environments can have on young minds.

Matthew opens up about his high school experiences, shedding light on the harsh realities of bullying and its effect on his mental health. Reflecting on the stark differences between his primary school and later education, he emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to student support. We delve into the complexities of addressing these issues, discussing how well-intentioned measures might inadvertently highlight differences. Through open dialogue and education on diversity, we aim to equip schools with the tools to nurture not just academic success but also prepare students for lifelong happiness and fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating inclusive educational spaces.

https://www.behavioursmart.co.uk

In episode 1 of the Behaviour Smart Podcast. In this episode we will be talking to Kieran Mace. Kieran will talk to us about his experiences, his highs and his lows.

Follow the extraordinary journey of a young person who navigated the turbulent world of the foster care system, found himself lost in the prison system, and ultimately emerged as a powerful voice for change. In this inspiring podcast, hear firsthand how resilience, self-discovery, and the drive to make a difference led him from the depths of struggle to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker. It's a story of defying the odds, rewriting a future, and showing that no matter where you start, transformation is possible. Tune in for an unforgettable journey of redemption, hope, and the power of second chances.

https://www.behavioursmart.co.uk