When bad behaviour threatens to derail lessons and undermine teaching, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of solutions. Enter: Nikki Cunningham-Smith. With her comforting sense of humour, wealth of experience and ability to see positives in even the most nightmarish of classroom scenarios, Nikki encourages early career teachers to reflect on their practice, take care of their mental health and implement behaviour management strategies that really work.

Feel Free to Smile draws on anecdotes from Nikki’s time as a teacher in alternative provision settings, as well as contributions from fellow professionals and current NQTs such as Ross Morrison McGill, Vivienne Porritt, Kemi Oloyede and Sarah Mullin. It provides practical strategies, tips and quick fixes for dealing with difficult behaviour and keeping your cool in testing situations. With advice on all aspects of behaviour, as well as reflective questions and space to jot down your thoughts, this book is the perfect companion if you’re feeling daunted by challenging behaviour and looking for an experienced voice to help lead the way.