Two schools in Hornchurch that were given low food hygiene ratings have had their scores upgraded.

Ardleigh Green Infant School and Ardleigh Green Junior School in Hornchurch were revisited by Food Standards Agency inspectors on November 8 and were awarded the highest grade of five out of five.

The schools were found to be “very good” on all three major criteria - hygienic food handling, cleanliness of facilities and management of food safety.

The revised ratings come after the schools were rated one in their last inspection on September 7.

Empower Learning Academy Trust, that runs these schools, had attributed the low scores to the fact that they had just introduced a new contractor at the time and were still getting the paperwork together.

Andrew Frater, chief operating officer for the trust, had told the Recorder that they take food hygiene “very seriously” and the September inspections had taken place just two days into their new school year.

With their food hygiene scores now reinstated to the highest level, Mr Frater said he is “pleased” with the outcome.

He added: “This confirms that all schools in the trust have the highest possible rating following inspections this autumn.”