Knutsford Academy takes action after rodent droppings found in 'dirty' kitchen

Cheshire East inspectors visited Knutsford Academy in November last year, where rodent droppings were found in the kitchen.

The inspectors' damning report also revealed pizza food packaging had been nibbled along with electrical wiring and insulation in the freezer food store of the upper school.

But the school, in Bexton Road, says it has since addressed the issues and is anticipating the return of the council's inspectors.

A spokesman for Knutsford Academy said: "Following the Environment Health Agency’s report last November, together with the company that provides our catering, we immediately addressed all of the issues raised.

"We also proactively introduced our own weekly inspections to ensure high standards.

"We look forward to welcoming back Cheshire East for a reinspection."

In their report, which gave the school a two-star food hygiene rating, an inspector said: “The floor throughout the upper kitchen was dirty especially at the floor/wall junctions and behind or below equipment.

“Rodent droppings, nibbled packaging and nibbled electrical wiring and installation were found in the freezer food store of the upper school, including on pizza food packaging.”

A large number of items were found on the floor in the upper kitchen dry store.

A dirty, dusty vent with ivy growing through was discovered in the dry store in the lower school.

Ceiling tiles had been displaced in the lower school kitchen and the door seal of one of the freezers was split.

Kitchen staff were asked to take immediate action to remedy the pest control.

The inspector said: “Pest checks should be carried out effectively and corrective action taken where an issue is discovered.

“Daily checks sign off sheets should be completed if the checks have not taken place.”

Catering staff were advised to carry out a thorough clean of the floor and to ensure the dry store is kept in a condition which allows for adequate cleaning, maintenance and regular pest checks.

The ceiling tiles had to be replaced to ensure the surface is smooth and easy to clean.

The inspector added: “I was unable to establish at the time of my visit if the extraction unit over the cooking area works effectively and staff had concerns regarding heat and humidity in the kitchen.

“All food preparation and storage areas must have adequate ventilation either by natural or mechanical means.”

The inspector recommended the school should employ a competent engineer to check the ventilation.

Any disused equipment, crockery or packaging in the kitchen and stores should be removed to improve access for cleaning and minimise surfaces where dirt can collect.