Seven primary schools in the Black Country have been forced to delay the start of term because of over-running building work.

The announcement about some of the schools was not made until late yesterday, leaving parents scrambling to arrange childcare. A support group said today the delays, at six schools in Wolverhampton and one in Walsall, left parents in an “incredibly difficult situation”.

But for youngsters, it means an extra week of the summer holidays.

Siobhan Freegard, co founder of Netmums, a website run by and for mothers, said: “Many parents in the area are reporting over-running building work.

“Working mums find it hard enough to manage the six-week summer holiday.

“To have an unplanned 10-day holiday extension suddenly thrust upon them is really not acceptable in these times when the majority of mums have to work to make ends meet.

“Some mums are managing to negotiate flexible or remote working but many will end up having to take unpaid leave.

Protect

“I am also worried about the mums who may leave children at home alone, in order to protect their jobs.”

Education bosses in Wolverhampton apologised to parents.

Councillor Claire Darke, Wolverhampton City Council’s cabinet member for schools, said: “The work was scheduled during the holidays to minimise disruption but due to unforeseen circumstances it has, in some instances, taken slightly longer than anticipated.

“Headteachers of the affected schools have agreed to new reopening dates and parents and pupils have been informed.

“The city council would like to apologise to parents and pupils for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Warstones Primary School, in Warstones Road, Penn, is among schools facing delays. It has delayed the start of term to September 13, along with Oxley Primary School.

A total of £1.6 million of modernisation work is being done at the school.

Oxley Primary School will see improvements and the creation of three early years and foundation stage classrooms.

A school trip arranged for year six pupils on Monday will go ahead as planned.

Education Reporter Catherine Dalton