School catering services

Tender description

The successful tenderer will be required to provide catering services to the St Martin's Multi Academy Trust at the following schools: — St Martin's CE Primary School — Field View Primary School — Grove Primary School The catering service provision at all three schools detailed above has not been market tested in recent years and to ensure Best Value principles are applied the Head Teachers and Academy Governors have made a decision to tender the catering services at all three Academy Schools. Current roll numbers are: St Martin's CE Primary School ~ 230 pupils plus 32 teaching / support staff Field View Primary School ~ 409 pupils plus 48 teaching / support staff Grove Primary School ~ 382 pupils plus 36 teaching / support staff. Current turnover figures are circa 400 000 GBP per annum including Free School Meals across all three schools. However, this value is based on the current meal charges made by the incumbent contractor (Wolverhampton DSO). Current uptake levels are above 70 % due to the high uptake levels of Universal Free School Meals. However, the Trust believes savings could be made with the review of meal charges and with improved choice and quality there is a real opportunity to increase cash sales from both pupils and staff. For the avoidance of doubt TUPE Regulations will apply to this contract and some if not all of the current catering staff are in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The successful contractor will be expected to deliver a concise and detailed method of management reporting at the end of each month, thus updating the Client on contract performance. It is imperative that an open book policy is offered to ensure the Academy has total clarity on financial performance. St Martin's Multi Academy Trust is seeking both innovation and the application of current food trends within the tender submissions and would expect as a result of this to be able to identify ‘Best Value’ and work in partnership with the chosen contractor going forward. The MAT has set five key objectives which should be focused upon throughout the tender process. They are: — All children shall enjoy a healthy, well balanced meal at lunch times; — Provision of food that is both appetising and nutritious; — Ensuring all the project schools gain value for money with an improved quality in service; — Getting the meal price right and offering value for money meal items; — The successful contractor must focus on the individual and cultural requirements of each school The contract will be initially for 3 years with the option of extending for a further 2 years. It will be based on a Fixed Price arrangement during the contract term and if any improvements to financial surpluses are generated then the contractor shall share these on an agreed percentage return. Free School Meals and any ad hoc catering requirements will be invoiced separately on a monthly basis.