DON'T LET SANTA SCARE THE LITTLE SCHOOLKIDS; Anger at Xmas party warning.

Byline: By PAUL GALLAGHER 

A VISIT from Father Christmas could be "terrifying" for small children, says advice on a government website.

Pantomimes may also be too scary and traditional party games could have youngsters in tears.

The advice for teachers on teachernet.gov.uk said: "Younger children in particular have a wide range of fears. For very young children, Father Christmas can be terrifying.

"Make sure that fearful children are near an exit. Trips to the pantomime can cause alarm, so the same planning applies."

But Margaret Morrisey, from the National Conference of PTAs, said: "It is so sad that we have become so politically correct that we are trying to remove the magic of Christmas."

The recommendations, made by "progressive youth movement" the Woodcraft Folk, also lists games to ensure children will not get "anxious" because they feel they have "underperformed". It gives one "sheer fun" example as "Having to say 'sausages' whatever question you are asked..."

Later the advice was pulled off the website and the Department for Education said: "This is not Government policy. It does not reflect our views."

CAPTION(S):

SCARY: It's only Santa