Children’s Nursery and Directors Fined Over Mouse Contamination

A children’s nursery and its directors have incurred fines after mouse droppings were discovered on food items, as well as in bibs and playrooms, according to a council statement. Inspectors from Oldham Council, during a visit to Cornerhouse Day Nursery on Cross Street in Lees in November 2023, identified mouse excrement on open packets of pasta and inside boxes containing children’s cups and bottles. The nursery and two directors subsequently admitted to two charges under food safety and hygiene regulations at Tameside Magistrates’ Court. Oldham Council further stated that Cornerhouse Day Nursery Ltd was fined £2,000, in addition to costs of £1,087 and a victim surcharge of £800. Alison O’Reilly received a fine of £380, while Sadie Parsons was fined £461. The council reported that O’Reilly was also mandated to pay £350 in costs and a victim surcharge of £152. For Parsons, the corresponding costs amounted to £350 and the victim surcharge was £184. An Oldham Council spokesperson revealed that an inspector had also observed dirt on the floor and found unsealed holes in the rear of a kitchen cupboard. The council added, “Equipment, including the oven and the microwave, was found to be dirty.” Councillor Chris Goodwin stated: “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.” He continued, “The business is continuing to make improvements and that’s good.” Goodwin further remarked, “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.” Following an inspection by Ofsted in October, the nursery was awarded a “good” overall rating, marking an improvement from its “requires improvement” evaluation of the previous year.