In this episode, I explore a question that many schools are grappling with: Why are exclusions continuing to rise despite behaviour policies becoming clearer and more structured than ever before?

Drawing on my experience as an Educational Psychologist, I examine the growing reliance on consequence-driven behaviour systems and explore why these approaches often fail to create lasting change. While clear expectations and boundaries have their place, behaviour does not happen in isolation. Children's experiences of school are shaped by relationships, emotional regulation, and their sense of belonging.

Throughout the episode, I discuss how behaviour is often viewed as the problem itself rather than a signal that something deeper may be happening. I explore the impact of sensory, emotional, and social development on a child's ability to regulate their behaviour, particularly for neurodiverse young people navigating busy and demanding school environments.

I also share practical alternatives that schools can use to strengthen relationships, improve accountability, and reduce conflict. From restorative approaches to proactive regulation strategies, this episode focuses on creating school cultures where young people feel seen, supported, and understood.

Ultimately, this episode challenges us to consider whether behaviour policies alone can solve behaviour challenges, or whether meaningful relationships remain the most powerful tool we have.

In This Episode, I Explore

• Why exclusions continue to rise despite increasingly strict behaviour policies.
• The difference between consequence-driven systems and relational approaches.
• How sensory, language, emotional, and cognitive development influence behaviour.
• Why neurodiverse pupils may find school environments particularly overwhelming.
• The role relationships play in helping young people regulate emotions.
• How restorative approaches can create genuine accountability and repair harm.

Why This Episode Matters

Across education, schools are facing increasing challenges around behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and exclusion.

While many systems focus on consequences and compliance, this episode explores a different perspective: that behaviour is deeply connected to relationships, emotional safety, and a child's experience of belonging.

Understanding what sits beneath behaviour can help schools move beyond simply managing incidents and towards creating environments where young people are more able to engage, regulate, and succeed.

If you're a teacher, school leader, educational psychologist, or parent, this episode offers practical insights into how relationships can become a powerful foundation for both behaviour and learning.

🎧 Listen now and discover why the strongest behaviour strategy may not be a policy at all but the relationships we build every day.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on behaviour policies and exclusions?
Have you seen relational approaches make a difference in your school or setting?

Share your thoughts and experiences. we'd love to hear from you.

Connect with Me

Instagram: @‌dradammcartney
Website: dradammccartney.com
YouTube: @‌Dr.AdamMcCartney

In this episode, I explore one of the most effective approaches I use when working with schools: Lesson Study for Assessment.

Originally developed in Japan, lesson study offers a collaborative framework that brings together teachers, educational psychologists, and school leaders to design, observe, evaluate, and refine teaching in a way that benefits all learners. Rather than relying on expert-driven recommendations, this approach places psychology and pedagogy side by side, creating a shared process of inquiry and problem-solving.

Through real examples from my own practice, I explore how lesson study can strengthen inclusion, support pupils with additional needs, and help schools create learning experiences that are both meaningful and engaging. I discuss how collaboration between professionals can lead to better outcomes for children, while also giving teachers greater ownership of the learning process.

A key theme throughout the episode is that effective support comes from psychology and pedagogy working together. When professionals bring different perspectives to the same challenge, they are better able to understand children's needs, build on their strengths, and create opportunities for genuine participation and success.

Ultimately, this episode is about creating classrooms where every child feels valued, included and able to thrive.

In This Episode, I Explore

• What Lesson Study for Assessment is and where it originated.
• How educational psychologists, teachers, and school leaders can work collaboratively to improve learning.
• Why psychology and pedagogy should be viewed as complementary disciplines.
• How lesson study can support inclusion without becoming tokenistic.
• Ways to use peer relationships and collaboration to strengthen learning outcomes.
• How schools can develop meaningful and measurable targets for pupils with additional needs.

Why This Episode Matters

As schools work to create more inclusive learning environments, collaboration has never been more important.

Lesson Study for Assessment provides a practical way for teachers, psychologists, and school leaders to work together, better understand pupils' needs, and design learning that supports everyone.

When professionals think and plan together, children are more likely to feel included, valued, and able to succeed.

🎧 Listen now and discover how psychology and pedagogy can work together to create better learning opportunities for every child.

Connect with Me

Instagram: @‌dradammcartney
Website: dradammccartney.com
YouTube: @‌Dr.AdamMcCartney

In this episode, we sit down with teaching SENCO Tom Hodgson to explore why relationships sit at the heart of successful inclusion and how emotionally attuned practice can completely change a child’s journey in school.

Drawing on real classroom experience, we reflect on the emotional demands of supporting children with complex needs and why connection must come before correction. Through a powerful case study, we unpack how one pupil moved from the brink of permanent exclusion to full integration through co-regulation, consistency, and a strong team around the child.

Together, we discuss why meaningful relationships, emotional literacy, and shared staff values are essential for long-term change in schools.

In This Episode, We Discuss

• Why relationships must come before behaviour strategies
• How co-regulation helps prevent escalation
• A real case study from exclusion risk to full inclusion
• The power of empathy, curiosity, and emotional attunement
• Building emotional literacy and helping children name feelings
• Why consistency across adults changes outcomes
• Supporting staff while working with complex pupils
• How everyday interactions become meaningful interventions

Why This Episode Matters

This conversation invites educators to rethink behaviour through the lens of connection and safety. When children feel understood and supported by consistent adults, meaningful progress becomes possible both emotionally and academically.

It also highlights the emotional load educators carry and why reflective practice, shared training, and strong professional relationships are essential for sustainable, inclusive education.

Connect with Mike Lane

Website: ridgewaypsychology.co.uk
LinkedIn: michael-lane

Connect with Me

Instagram: @‌dradammcartney
Website: dradammccartney.com
YouTube: @‌Dr.AdamMcCartney