"DO NOT send your children to school unless you are an essential worker," urged Cumbria County Council (CCC) amid concerns that not following such guidance could lead to schools becoming 'overwhelmed'.

A CCC spokesman said: "Only where a parent is employed in an essential job AND their specific role is critical to the country's COVID-19 (coronavirus) response AND there is no alternative childcare option available should children be sent to school.

"If there is a second parent, or other suitable non-vulnerable person in the household and they are not an essential worker they should look after children unless families make alternative arrangements."

The spokesman warned that, if families did not act on this guidance, schools could be 'overwhelmed'.

In Cumbria, schools should have been in contact to inform parents which schools are open, as it may not be where a child usually attends.

Visit gov.uk for more information on 'essential workers'.