School catering services

Tender description

The successful tenderer will be required to provide catering services at Thornton Primary School, Ward End, Birmingham. Full details in relation to Thornton Primary School can be found at: http://www.thornton.bham.sch.uk The catering service provision at Thornton Primary School has not been market tested in recent years and to ensure Best Value principles are applied the Headteacher and School Governors have made a decision to tender the catering service. Current numbers on roll are 685 pupils plus 108 teaching and support staff. There is a proposed programme for change commencing in 2017 where by the infant provision (year groups: reception to year 2) will close over a seven year period. (The proposed phasing is illustrated within the PQQ Documentation.) The key reason for this proposal is to change it to a Junior School provision, which will assist the School with its improvement journey and will be more beneficial for resources to be focused on improving the attainment and standards in the Junior School, where the School has greater capacity, resources and expertise. Current turnover figures are circa 164 000 GBP per annum including Free School Meals. Universal Free School Meal uptake will decrease next year due to the proposed restructure as illustrated above. Current uptake levels are circa 58 % and the School firmly believes that with improved choice and quality there is a real opportunity to increase this level of uptake. The current kitchen / service provision is based on a cook / chill regenerated food offer and as part of the tendering exercise the Headteacher and School Governors are looking for the successful contractor to invest in more conventional methods of onsite cooking production, minimising convenience foods and maximising on site food production. For the avoidance of doubt TUPE Regulations will apply to this contract and some of the current catering staff are in the LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme). 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 School has total clarity on financial performance. Thornton Primary School 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 School has set five key objectives which should be focused upon throughout the tender process. They are: — All children enjoy a healthy, well balanced meal at lunch times ensuring meals fully comply with school meal nutritional standards — The service provision must be based on Best Value principles. — Possibility to move to fresh onsite food production. — Meet the cultural needs of all pupils and staff. — Provide a more appetising range of food for the children to choose from. The contract will be Fixed Price 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 on a monthly basis. The contract will be initially for 3 years with the option of extending for a further 2 years.