A Birmingham school with a university link has been ordered to improve hygiene after failing an inspection. Aston University Engineering Academy, a university technical college for students aged 13 to 19, specialises in engineering, health and science subjects aligned with Aston University pathways.
Inspection Results
On April 20, the school received a score of two on the Food Standards Agency website, meaning improvement was necessary. Any score below three, which is generally satisfactory, is considered a fail from hygiene inspectors. The inspection assessed cleanliness, food preparation and safety.
The school's caterers, cleverchefs, were named in the failed inspection. On the day, the food safety officer found hygienic handling and management of food safety to be at a good level. However, the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building were ordered to be improved. Appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control were also inspected, resulting in an overall rating of 'improvement necessary'.
School's Response
An Aston University Engineering Academy spokesperson said: “Following the recent inspection the kitchen’s hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage was rated as good. In addition, the management of food safety which includes systems or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and that the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future was also rated as good. Since the inspection we have been working with our catering provider and their team to implement improvements to the cleanliness and condition of facilities and building.”
