A nursery school director has been sacked after young children were welcomed on the first day of school by scantily-clad pole dancers.

Horrified parents watched as young women took turns spinning around the pole like strippers in front of hundreds of students.

The now jobless director, Lai Rong, explained in a lengthy apology that the routine was meant to provide some “atmosphere” for the parents and kids.

But education officials said the performance was inappropriate and dismissed her from her role.

A viral video showing one woman’s routine at the Xinshahui Kindergarten in China has gone viral online, with more than five million views.

The dancers used a pole flying the People’s Republic of China flag for their inappropriate routine.

The incredible scenes played out on Monday as the nursery school welcomed new and returning pupils for the new school year in the city of Shenzhen.

In the statement, Lai admitted the decision to include a pole dance show for more than 100 parents and nearly 500 kids between the ages of three and six was “not well thought out”.

She also noted that, besides pole dancing, other performances included traditional Chinese dance – in which she took part – and a jazz concert.

Lai apologised for the embarrassing incident, saying she welcomed the parents’ supervision on future matters.

However, Bao’an district education officials announced shortly after that the director was dismissed for her role in the inappropriate commencement-day events.