Supply teacher sacked for telling class 'Santa does not exist'

A supply teacher who told pupils Santa Claus did not exist has been sacked, a local education authority spokeswoman said today.

Year Three children at Blackshaw Lane Primary School in Oldham, Greater Manchester, were left upset by the news.

One parent told the Oldham Evening Chronicle: “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.

“He was nearly in tears – and 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.”

A spokeswoman for Oldham Council said headteacher Angela McCormick is preparing a letter of apology to parents.

She said the headteacher has complained to the agency which supplied the teacher and added that the teacher no longer works for the school.