Children as young as nine asked if Santa is real for homework sparking outrage from parents

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A primary school has been criticised by parents after children as young as nine were asked to research if Father Christmas was real as part of their homework.

Cuthbert's Church of England Primary School, in Lancashire, was accused of "taking away the magic of Christmas" through the project.

Children in Year 5, aged nine and 10, were set the work last week and it was followed by a classroom debate on Monday - despite several protests from parents.

One mother told the Lancashire Telegraph: "This has caused a lot of upset. Choosing this topic to debate, especially this time of year, takes away from the magic of Christmas. I don't think it's appropriate."

But the man behind the project, which is being put on at five schools in the Blackburn area of Lancashire, has defended the assignment.

West End actor Paul Simpson, who goes into local schools to teach festive lessons, revealed pupils from the after-school debating club, who were given the question 'Is Santa Claus real?', unanimously came to the conclusion that he did exist.

He said: "It is not about taking away the magic of Christmas but using it to engage the children in a project where they can learn and use new skills in terms of research, public speaking and debate.

"I am sad some parents objected. Had they spoken to me so I could have explained the project to them. As with every other school, the children really enjoyed it, coming down decisively in favour of Santa's existence."

Michelle Smith, headteacher of St Cuthbert's, added: "The aim was to help develop their research, reasoning and promoting empathy for other people's viewpoint.

"The topic was chosen to help get into the Christmas spirit and help bring back the magic of Christmas for any children who have doubts."

The criticism comes as a substitute teacher has been reportedly been sacked from a school in America after telling a class of young children that Father Christmas does not exist.

Parents said first grade children at Cedar Hill Elementary School in Montville, had to be consoled after the incident, which was sparked when one pupil asserted Santa Claus was real.

Additional reporting by SWNS