School catering services

Tender description

The successful supplier will be required to provide catering services at Pakefield High School. Pakefield High School is a secondary school in Lowestoft, Suffolk, which opened in 2011. The school is a member of the Clarion Academy Trust. 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 760 students on roll and 123 teaching and support staff, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The client would wish the successful Supplier to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly. The contract being tendered is for three years in duration from April 2020 to March 2023 with an option to extend on a +1 year, +1 year basis (3 + 1 + 1). The academic year is based on a calendar of the legal minimum of 190 days. In addition, there are up to 5 staff professional development days per year where catering is required. The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all school catering services, which currently includes morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School Meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption. Whilst the Client 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 client 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 client expects the successful supplier to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its mission to ensure that every student has interesting and varied learning experiences and makes the best possible progress in developing their skills, knowledge and understanding. As a school 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. Please be advised that the Client has a minimum requirement for a supplier’s employer’s liability / public liability and product liability insurance of GBP 10 million.