Some members of the school community may know that I was born with a strawberry haemangioma, a type of birthmark, under my eye which led to me needing numerous operations to save my sight and reconstruct my face.  The result of these procedures has led to me living with limited sight in my left eye as well as a visible difference.   

At the start of March, I was excited to be invited as the guest speaker at a parent workshop hosted by the charity Changing Faces.  Changing Faces is the UK’s leading charity for anyone with a scar, mark or condition on their face or body.  They work to transform understanding and acceptance of visible difference as well as campaign to reduce prejudice and discrimination for those in the community.   

As part of their provision to support families, the parent workshop provides valuable tips and techniques to help parents/caregivers support their child on topics such as social anxiety, self-confidence, teasing and bullying.  During the workshop I was interviewed and asked to share my experiences and reflections on living with a visible difference as well as tips and advice on what may be helpful for parents when supporting their child.  It was wonderful being able to support the charity in this way and I am really pleased that such forums exist to help equip parents, provide them with a community to be connected to and ensure positive outcomes for their child.   

Living with a visible difference can lead to many challenges, such as unwanted stares or thoughtless comments from strangers, however I have personally found that it has shaped my character and given me a unique perspective on the world around me.  In fact, it is a contributing factor that led to me becoming a teacher!  Not only do I hope to enable pupils to flourish academically but also to positively develop their self-worth, interests in the world around them and respect for all people.   

When I was welcomed into the Lady Barn community as a member of staff, it was natural that there was curiosity from pupils about my appearance.  However, I was pleasantly surprised at pupils’ respectful questions when asking me what had happened to my face.  One reception child even shared with great enthusiasm that a strawberry birthmark should instead be called a birthday mark which really made me smile!  Another highlight have been the mature and honest discussions that have taken place across Prep 6 this year when sharing ideas on what the definition of ‘normal’ means in PSHE lessons.  These conversations have made thankful to be part of a school community that fosters kindness, care and inclusion for all!   

Miss Evans 

Prep 6 Teacher 

For further information about Changing Faces and the support that it offers please see the following links to their website pages or speak to Miss Evans. 

About Changing Faces 

https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/about-changing-faces/  

Parent Workshops 

https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/services-support/workshops-for-children-families/