I was a little appalled to hear that an infants teacher told her young pupils that Father Christmas doesn’t really exist (What was she thinking, these were seven year olds for cripes’ sake), but did she really deserve to get fired over it?

A supply teacher who told pupils Santa Claus did not exist has been sacked.

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

One parent 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.

“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.

The parents have a right to be annoyed, but sacking the teacher just seems a tad overboard to me.

What say you?