Escape Behaviour Firefighting with the PAIN Framework

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 framework (Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, Social, Prosocial, and Transition needs) to help your pupils make progress with their SEMH needs. You’ll follow the story of Liam, an 11-year-old pupil whose behaviour seemed oppositional - until the PAIN lens revealed hidden what was happening below the surface and driving his behaviour. You’ll discover: How to identify unmet needs using the PAIN framework – and use this to pick the right support strategies for your students Why those needs can mimic “defiance” and “chosen behaviour” How to replace traditional behaviour plans with proactive regulation plans that prevent crises before they start If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve tried every strategy, and nothing works,” this episode will show you how to think like an SEMH specialist - and how the PAIN framework can transform your understanding of your student’s behaviour. Important links: Get our FREE SEND Behaviour Handbook: Download other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: 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.

You can listen to Escape Behaviour Firefighting with the PAIN Framework online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Escape Behaviour Firefighting with the PAIN Framework is an episode from School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton by Beacon School Support.

This episode is 22:42 long.

This episode was published on Nov 17, 2025.

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