Primary school teacher who told children: 'Santa does not exist' is fired

A primary school teacher who left a class of 25 pupils in tears after she told told them Santa Claus did not exist has been fired..



When excited youngsters became rowdy as they talked about Santa, the supply teacher blurted out: 'It's your parents who leave out presents on Christmas Day.'

The class of seven-year-olds at Blackshaw Lane Primary School, Royton, near Oldham, Greater Manchester burst into tears and told their parents when they arrived home.

Santa sacked: A teacher has been told not to return to work after she told her primary school pupils that Santa Claus is not real

Mothers and fathers then complained about the incident and were sent a letter by the school saying the substitute teacher, who only worked at the school for one day last week, has been disciplined.

The school has now said it will not hire her again.



One father said: 'My son came home and said that his substitute teacher had told the class that Santa doesn't exist and it's your mum and dad that put out presents for them.



'Apparently, they were all talking about Christmas and being a bit rowdy. She just came straight out with it.



'My lad was in tears and so was everyone else in the class - especially as it was so close to Christmas.



'I thought it was wrong. He was distraught about it. He's only seven-years-old and it's part of the magic of Christmas to him.

'We told him that she did not believe in Father Christmas because of her religion and he's fine now.'

The father described the incident as 'shocking' and believed it was done with malicious intent.

'A lot of parents were disgusted and complained to the school.'

The teacher, who was supplied by Rochdale and Oldham Supply Agency, is still registered and will work with other schools, the agency said.



Headteacher Angela McCormick refused to comment on the incident.

