Fourteen school cooks in Hartlepool win 'five stars'

The awards, which were introduced in April last year, involve all food premises being inspected and given a star rating – ranging from maximum five (excellent) to the lowest zero (major improvements required). The aim of the awards is to inform people of how well premises are complying with hygiene standards. Some of the school kitchens that have been awarded the five stars are at Golden Flatts Primary School, West Park Primary School, Ward Jackson Primary School, Hart Primary School, and St Hild's School. Doreen Wilkinson, Hartlepool council's catering manager, explained: "To reach these sorts of levels when preparing food on site from fresh ingredients is absolutely tremendous. They all follow very strict hygiene practices and make sure that all of their staff adopt the same high standards." The lowest rating that Hartlepool's schools have received so far is 'three stars.' Weblink: www.hartlepool.gov.uk/foodhygieneaward www.hartlepool.gov.uk/foodhygieneaward