Why Some Pupils Fall Apart After Lunch - And What Schools Can Do

Why Some Pupils Fall Apart After Lunch - And What Schools Can Do

From School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton by Beacon School Support

June 7, 2026 · 27 min · Season 1 · Episode 278

About this episode

This episode explores the reasons why some pupils struggle after lunch and offers strategies for schools to support them.

Have you ever had a pupil come back from lunch looking fine - only to refuse work, argue, shout or completely fall apart minutes later? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore why lunchtime isn’t always a break for every pupil. You’ll learn how social stress, sensory overload, unresolved conflict and tricky transitions can build up during lunch - then spill over into the afternoon lesson. We’ll also look at what schools can do to make lunchtimes calmer, support vulnerable pupi...

People in this episode

Hosts: Simon Currigan, Emma Shackleton

Topics covered

  • pupil behavior
  • lunchtime challenges
  • social stress
  • sensory overload
  • school support

Keywords

  • pupil behavior
  • lunchtime
  • social stress
  • sensory overload
  • school strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Beacon School Support

More episodes of School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton podcast page.