Confusion, tears & relief as all Greenwich schools to close for Christmas tonight The Government has warned that legal action could be taken to require schools to stay open after Greenwich Council last night became the first authority in the country to order all of its schools to close early. The Department of Education has said it remains a national priority to keep schools open full time, but the council have said they “cannot in all good conscience stand by whilst the numbers are doubling so quickly.” The National Education Union has backed the decision, calling it very sensible . Cllr Nigel Fletcher, leader of the council s opposition, said he was sure the decision wouldn t have been made without serious consideration of the consequences.