School catering services

Tender description

The successful tenderer will be required to provide catering services to the Woodfield Junior and Infant School Federation. Details in relation to Woodfield Junior and Infant Schools can be found at: http://www.woodfieldjunior.com / http://www.woodfieldinfantschool.uk The catering service provision has not been market tested in recent years and to ensure Best Value principles are applied the Head Teachers and School Governors have made a decision to tender the catering service provision. Current roll numbers are: Junior School: 347 pupils Infant School: 262 pupils 73 teaching and support staff The contract will be initially for 3 years with the option of extending for a further 2 years. Current turnover figures are circa 160 000 GBP per annum including Universal Free School Meals, normal Free School Meals and cash sales. 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 School 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. Although there are two separate dining halls for Infant and Junior pupils, there is a centrally located kitchen which caters for both. 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 Federation has total clarity on financial performance. Woodfield Junior and Infant School Federation 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 Governors have set five key objectives which should be focused upon throughout the tender process. They are: — All children enjoy a healthy, well balanced meal at lunchtime. — Providing food that is both appetising and nutritious. — To ensure the tender process drives out 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 multi cultural requirements of the pupils. The Schools three key aims are: — To have high expectations to ensure everyone achieves and makes progress in all areas of leaning. — To promote positive community links. — To develop parent partnerships. The expectation will be for the successful contractor to parallel these aims regarding the day-to-day delivery of the catering service provision. 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.