The Compton School in North Finchley left parents in the lurch this week when it gave one working day's notice of an extended summer holiday because of building work.
Several working parents were fuming when they received a letter from headteacher Teresa Tunnadine explaining term would be delayed one week because of uncompleted electrical works at the Summers Lane school.
Single mum Susan Diamond had to leave her 14-year-old son Samuel home alone to attend her job as a teacher in Whitefield School, Claremont Road, Cricklewood.
She said: "I am very distressed the children are losing out on one week's education. My son should be starting his GCSE coursework. It is unbelievable and there was not even an apology."
The beginning of term was pushed back until Monday due to "unforeseen" electrical problems created by preparations for the school's technology college status.
A Barnet Council spokesman said: "If children do turn up at the school and they have no alternative, arrangements would be made to look after them."
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