Rat concerns at Preston primary school closes kitchen but situation 'is under control'

A primary school in Preston has had trouble with rats this school term.

The Post understands that a decision was made to close the kitchen at The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School on Wednesday, October 14.

The school’s catering team had to prepare meals off site that day at nearby Moor Nook Primary School.

An anonymous source told us the kitchen remained closed for at least the next two days but we have not been able to confirm this with the school, nor if the kitchen has at all reopened.

Rats were reportedly not just a kitchen problem, but instead across the school.

The Post was specifically told that dead mice were found inside toy boxes at the nursery as well.

When approached, the school’s trust did not respond directly to these claims.

A spokesperson for Mater Ecclesiae Catholic Multi Academy Trust instead stated that the school itself did not close due to rats at any point.

Preston City Council confirmed that their Environmental Health team were made aware of the issue the following Monday morning.

In a follow-up statement, the council said the issue had been resolved by the school, independent of the council's own Pest Control team.

A spokesperson for Preston City Council said: “Pest Control currently haven’t been requested to attend.

“We’ve had further confirmation that both the school catering and school are aware of the issue, and it is under control.

“Our Environmental Health Officers will also inspect soon.”

On the nursery issue, Preston City Council said: “The dead mice inside toy boxes would fall within the remit of the Health and Safety Executive.”

We contacted the Health and Safety Executive who confirmed they had not received any reports

Preston City Council also wanted to iterate that school did receive a food hygiene rating of 5 at its most recent inspection.