A SCHOOL has been left fuming after administrative blunders led to it being told it had a good food hygiene rating, when in fact it had been given a bad one.
Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted was mistakenly sent a letter from Herts County Council congratulating it on a ‘very good’ five star hygiene rating when it had only achieved two stars.
The scheme developed by the Food Standards Agency in partnership with local authorities gives information on food hygiene standards and encourages people to decide on where to eat based on the ratings published on its website.
Ashlyns was expecting to be in the five star category but when the website launched last week the truth was revealed.
Head teacher James Shapland said: “There appears to be significant confusion and lack of clarity surrounding this process.
“In January we received a letter congratulating us on achieving a five star rating in the environmental health visit to our kitchens.
“This followed the completion of all minor works as requested by the inspector and verified by an approved contractor.
“We have subsequently been informed that the paperwork completed by the contractor has been misplaced so we are in full compliance with the requirements for a five star rating and await re-inspection.
“It is very disappointing that, due to administrative error made by others, the current record is not an accurate reflection of our high standards.”
The county council has apologised to the school and borough council explaining that the letter sent was supposed to congratulate the school for achieving 98 per cent in an in-house quality audit.
See Letters, page 12