Primary school headteacher speaks out after mice infestation in kitchen

The headteacher of a south Oxfordshire primary school has spoken out after his kitchen was forced to close following an infestation of mice.

Environmental health officers in South Oxfordshire issued an emergency hygiene ban notice in the kitchen at Sonning Common Primary School last week after officers found a dead mouse near the serving area and mouse droppings in the kitchen and areas food storage.

Mouse droppings found during inspection (Image: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils)

READ MORE: Mice infestation closes Oxfordshire primary school kitchen

The notice means the kitchen has had to close and will remain closed until police deem the health risk has been removed.

Food operator Kites Kitchen Limited caters for children attending the primary school and also provides meals for the associated nursery school.

Chris Hurst, headteacher of Sonning Common Primary School, said: “I would like to reassure parents and pupils that we are working closely with Kites Kitchen and have acted quickly and firmly to tackle the issue of pest control whilst ensuring pupils continue to have access at meals.

“Kites Kitchen has complied with all measures required by Environmental Health Officers and pest control professionals.

“All food preparation areas, crockery, cutlery and cookware are thoroughly cleaned before and after use.

“The food is stored in sealed containers and there was no suggestion that the food was contaminated.

“Pest control officers attend the school frequently, with visits on July 17, 19 and 22 and a follow-up on July 26.

“They will continue with frequent visits until all traces are eradicated.

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“The kitchen and associated areas will be professionally deep cleaned during the summer break.

“Kites Kitchen operates to the highest standards and their food hygiene rating has consistently been the best possible score.

“We are confident that we will soon be able to operate normally.”

Leigh Rawlins, councilor for Sonning Common, said: “It’s a village school, the catering is outsourced. I understand that the caterer has previously done well and been rated well and clearly a mouse got in and I am taking the necessary steps to sort it out. outside.

“It was right for the officers to take the action they needed to take, in the grand scheme of things, I’m not sure it’s something I’d be too concerned about and I certainly don’t think the parents or anyone else would must think badly. of the school or even of the caterers.

“Clearly there was a problem and it was solved.”

The school remains open until the end of term (Wednesday 24 July) and is making alternative catering arrangements until the issue is resolved.

The school accommodates over 300 children a day, aged between two and eleven.

The Oxford Mail has contacted Kites Kitchen for comment.