Calls for action over schools failing hygiene inspection

A total of 91 schools, colleges, nurseries and playgroups have been rated on the Food Standards Agency website and now West Berkshire Liberal Democrat spokesman for children and young people, Alan Macro (Theale), has criticised West Berkshire Council for not quickly re-inspecting schools that are failing.
The website has come under criticism from food outlets recently for displaying old ratings, but council spokesman Keith Ulyatt confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that all the figures were up-to-date.
Two West Berkshire schools, Trinity School, Newbury, and Theale Green Community School, have a food hygiene rating of one, which means major improvements are required.
A further six schools – Little Heath School, Springfield Primary School, St Paul’s Primary School, all Tilehurst, Compton Primary School, The Castle School, Donnington, and Woolhampton School, have a rating of two, improvement required.
Mr Macro said: “If the hygiene inspectors say that improvement is required then this must mean that they believe that there is a food safety risk. What is more, West Berkshire Council is responsible for the school premises in question.”
Mr Macro also claimed that West Berkshire executive councillor for public protection, Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley) was putting children’s health at risk.
“She should stop risking the health of our children and have these schools re-inspected as a matter of urgency. The council then needs to move swiftly to correct any food hygiene problems identified by the inspectors.
“Two schools with the worst ratings have not been inspected since last June or July. “
In response, Mrs Cole said: “Critics have misunderstood the process. Our environmental health officers do, in fact, quickly revisit premises where they have advised on improvements to bring food hygiene up to scratch.
“Inspections are current for the day the school is initially assessed, so it is a bit like an MOT. For example, the two schools identified as ‘major improvement required’ have been revisited by environmental health officers who are satisfied that work has been done which makes them now compliant with food hygiene legislation.
“Assuming that remains the case, that would be reflected in the rating on the FSA website when the next inspection of the school is carried out.
“Obviously it is important that such inspections are carried out unannounced so we won't say when that would be.”
Of the facilities inspected, 55 achieved the highest rating, five, 17 were awarded a four and 11 achieved a rating of three.
Among the schools that currently have the highest rating are St Gabriel’s School, Newbury, Kennet School, Thatcham, Alder Bridge School, Padworth, and Denefield School, Tilehurst.