School catering services

Tender description

Unity Schools Trust is a geographically based Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), formed in September 2015. All academies in the MAT are governed by one trust, with clear lines of delegation to local governing bodies in each academy. We have 2 schools in our trust currently, namely, The Magna Carta School in Staines and Bishop David Brown School in Woking. The tender project is seeking to appoint a supplier whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of service within the existing facilities for the 1250 students and 139 teaching and support staff at The Magna Carta School, and 615 students and 64 teaching and support staff at Bishop David Brown School, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The Trust would wish the successful supplier to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly. The contract being tendered is for 3 years in duration from 2019 to 2022 and will operate as a guaranteed performance contract, with the successful supplier offering the Trust a guaranteed return/cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with the Unity Schools Trust for the duration of this contract. The academic year is based on a calendar of 195 days. Five days are to be used for staff professional development which means that the schools will be open to receive students for the legal minimum of 190 days. The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the schools, which currently includes morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements with the potential of offering breakfast. Free School Meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. Whilst the Trust prioritises value for money as a key objective of the competitive tender process, the governing body is not obliged to accept the lowest price. The Unity Schools Trust expects the successful supplier to enable the continued development of catering through the provision of an innovative, healthy food service, with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients being prepared on-site. The Trust expects the successful supplier to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its values. The Trust believes that success should be celebrated and that students should enjoy their time at school; if lessons are stimulating and challenging then students will love learning. Much time therefore, is spent reviewing and planning schemes of work to ensure that they are differentiated to meet the needs of all students. As a Trust who are continually seeking ways to improve and develop the ethos and environment for students and staff, to give them the facilities they deserve and need to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, any consideration regarding inward capital investment as part of the supplier’s tender submission would be welcomed. The Trust would wish for the supplier to look at making this investment within the existing canteen area, to include but not be limited to fridges, freezers, hot/cold passes and chill cabinets with the possibility of the cashier systems. Please be advised that this contract will be let on a 3 + 2 years’ basis.