An Isle of Wight primary school has been handed a 2-star ‘improvement is necessary’ food hygiene rating – and is having a new kitchen fitted over the summer.
County Hall’s environmental health department carried out an inspection at Lanesend Primary School on Love Lane in Cowes on 19th June and found an ‘aged’ kitchen with several areas of disrepair.
A letter to the school said the area must be ‘thoroughly’ cleaned after findings included a large amount of dust and debris stuck to a skylight and falling subsequently onto equipment and an area in the centre of the kitchen below.
Other observations included ‘peeling paint’ on the wall near to the room’s wash hand basin, a buildup of dust and cobwebs underneath the sink unit and a tiled windowsill ‘gathering dirt’.
The council said areas of wall coverings were not suitable for use in an area where food is prepared, treated or processed which may ‘contaminate’ food, surfaces and equipment.
Affected parts of the wall must be repaired before redecorating, its letter said.
The inspection also found the floor to be in need of repair due to the current condition of its covering being unsuitable which the council said will ‘trap dirt and food particles’ and ‘hinder effective cleaning’.
There were also areas of ‘cracked peeling paint’ identified on the kitchen’s ceiling, with the letter warning paint and plaster particles may be deposited over surfaces and equipment and could lead to food contamination.
The council said the ceiling must be repaired and repainted, to leave a surface which prevents dirt accumulation.
The school will have a new kitchen fitted this summer.
Lanesend Primary School has been contacted for a comment.
Schools should have to worry about budgets to repair dilapidated kitchens. Stuff like this should be a priority, not an afterthought.