Teachers and unions have welcomed the school closures which have brought England into line with the rest of the UK.

However, the Government has been criticised for waiting so long, ignoring scientific advice and paying no heed to Cumbria’s public health boss Colin Cox, who has been calling for the closures in light of the rapidly rising Covid numbers in the county.

Louise Atkinson, Carlisle teacher and junior vice-president of the National Education Union said she was “shocked but relieved” to hear the announcement on Monday night.

But she said the news came “terrifically late”.

“Some children and teachers went into school after being told that it was safe,” she said.

“Our government is supposed to be protecting us but this did not happen, especially in Cumbria. Our director of Public Health was asking for schools to close.”

She said it was the collective coming together of the Education Union and other unions that finally persuaded the government to change its mind - even though the scientific bodies had been asking for the schools to be closed, the situation may not have been so dire now.

She has urged parents not to feel alone - “Reach out to your schools in the first place. There is no stupid questions and we are there to help,” she said.

Whitehaven and Workington executive head Angela Quirk said schools in this area had supported Mr Cox, who had asked for schools to be closed and pupils to be educated remotely.

Miss Quirk, who is also chairman of the Workington Head Teachers’ Association, said most school had delayed opening until Wednesday on Mr Cox’s advice, so they could prepare.

“Our schools, as I am sure is the case with most, have welcomed the closure which puts us in line with the rest of the UK.

“Although I only got the Government’s latest guidance at 11pm on Monday, we were well ahead with planning.”

She said the focus was on ensuring that the children of key workers and vulnerable children would be safe to attend school.

“Staff have also worked really hard to make sure that children learning from home have everything they need.

“Hot meals and free school meals will be prepared as usual.

“I can’t speak for all schools, but, following the guidance to get food parcels to where they are needed.”