Farley

Hoping you can all help with a problem to OH's car - I have no engine knowledge. Bought new in 2011 and full dealer service history So car was dealer serviced & MOT 2 weeks ago - went in with a small oil leak reported by wife. Oil spotted on ground under car. No mention of oil leak on service report! Oil leak recorded on MOT. Both reports by same engineer! Nothing highlighted to wife during service/on collection of car. Oil leak continued/worsened last week, so phoned and took car back. Apparently the "head gasket has gone" - cue much shouting and frustration. Dealer customer service non existent - surprising as they have serviced both our cars for 6years. So no courtesy car, awaiting quote for repair this week. Apparently car was ok for wife to drive home carefully for local use until fixed? Wife said no - doesn't head gasket fail = cracked engine block if used? Any suggestions/advice please. Any known issues in this engine> Thanks in advance.