In this episode of Trauma Informed Conversations, host Jessica Parker is joined by Gill Slassor and Carly Mills, co-founders of Two Thirds Design, to explore how the physical environment can actively nurture, regulate, and support children and young people. Moving far beyond decorative displays or classroom aesthetic trends, Gill and Carly unpack the science and intentionality behind creating predictable, sensory-informed spaces where every learner feels safe, seen, and valued. Together, they discuss how visual communication, intentional use of colour and decluttering, and movement-based tools can transform busy corridors, classrooms, and nurture hubs into protective, regulating environments. From floor-based regulation mats that support the nervous system to embedding whole-school values across all surfaces, this conversation provides a practical, compassionate roadmap for educators and leaders looking to view their settings through the eyes of the child. Key Highlights & Takeaways: Beyond Furniture and Displays: Why a genuinely trauma-informed environment must offer predictability, clarity, and safety - and how avoiding visual overstimulation ("less is more") protects children prone to sensory overload. The Power of Predictability: How visual timetables, purposeful signage, and environmental cues reduce anxiety during corridor transitions, queuing, and daily changes. Alert, Organise, and Calm: The methodology behind the Regulation Collection (Ready Route for primary, Reset Route for secondary, and the Sensational Route for SEND provision) and how movement pathways support both high-energy and withdrawn nervous systems. Living Values, Not Just Posters: Moving away from static lists of school rules to co-creating visual, shared values that staff and students can reference organically to support social-emotional development. Designing Across Settings: Practical considerations when tailoring environments to diverse needs - from robust, lockable, and impact-resistant materials in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) to multi-sensory biophilic spaces and ceiling graphics in quiet nurture rooms. The School Leader Walkthrough: Actionable prompts for heads and educators walking through their spaces: lowering down to a child’s eye level, auditing noise/smells/pinch-points, and asking whether the environment actively communicates belonging. About the Guests: Carly Mills & Gill Slassor are the creative minds and co-founders behind Two Thirds Design, celebrating over 20 years of partnering with educational communities. Specialising in environmental branding, display design, and regulation resources, Two Thirds Design works collaboratively with mainstream primaries, secondary schools, special schools (SEND), and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) across the UK. Their work bridges the gap between creative visual communication and emotional well-being, helping schools transform corridors, halls, and nurture hubs into purposeful, psychologically safe learning spaces. Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to Trauma Informed Conversations for more honest discussions about trauma, recovery, and building systems rooted in care and humanity.
