Nursery and directors ordered to pay more than £5,700 over dirty conditions
Oldham Council prosecuted Cornerhouse Day Nursery Ltd and its directors for food hygiene violations, including mouse droppings and unsanitary conditions, resulting in fines totaling over £5,700. The nursery voluntarily closed for cleanup but has since reopened after improvements.
Nursery Fined After Mouse Droppings Found on Children’s Bottles and Food
A Lees nursery and its directors have been hit with thousands of pounds in fines after environmental health officers discovered mouse droppings throughout the premises, including on open bags of pasta and children’s cups and bottles.
The routine inspection at Cornerhouse Day Nursery Ltd on Cross Street last November revealed widespread contamination, with droppings found on bibs, work surfaces, and in playrooms. Officers also discovered dirty equipment, including ovens and microwaves, holes in kitchen cupboards that hadn’t been pest-proofed, and filthy flooring throughout the facility.
The nursery voluntarily closed immediately following the inspection and received a zero food hygiene rating, meaning urgent improvement was necessary. While a follow-up inspection showed improved standards and allowed the nursery to reopen, Oldham Council pursued legal action due to the severity of the initial findings.
At Tameside Magistrates Court on November 22, Cornerhouse Day Nursery Ltd was fined £2,000 plus £1,087 in costs and an £800 victim surcharge. Director Alison O’Reilly received a £380 fine with £350 costs and £152 victim surcharge, while fellow director Sadie Parsons was fined £461 with £350 costs and £184 victim surcharge. All parties had previously pleaded guilty to two charges under Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations.
Councillor Chris Goodwin, who oversees food hygiene enforcement, said: “The safety of our residents and their children is a priority for this administration. This nursery previously had a five star rating for food hygiene and safety. So, it’s really disappointing that they let standards fall so much. The building was very unclean and we’d have been failing in our duties, especially to the children and their parents, if we hadn’t taken action. The business is continuing to make improvements and that’s good. We want to see businesses doing well and if you are struggling, please get in touch with our food safety team as they are here to help.”
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