Connect Academy Trust ~ Catering Tender

The successful Supplier will be required to provide catering services for Connect Academy Trust.

Connect Academy Trust is an established and growing multi-academy trust, located in Devon, comprising of the following eight Primary Schools:

1.Cockington Primary School

2.Eden Park Primary School

3.Eggbuckland Vale Primary School

4.Leigham Primary School

5.Manadon Vale Primary School

6.Preston Primary School

7.Thornbury Primary School

8.Widey Court Primary School

More information regarding the Trust can be found on their website: www.connectacademytrust.co.uk ↗

The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Trust, which also includes all hospitality and free issue requirements.

The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 01 April 2024, with the potential to extend for a further two 12-month periods. This extension will be granted by mutual consent and on the same terms and conditions as the original contract without the right to further extend beyond the full five years.

The contract being offered within this tender will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with an expected profit share of any betterment to the agreed budget.

The Trust are seeking a suitably experienced, education catering contractor who is able to evidence working within Primary Schools and Multi Academy Trusts. An existing presence within the Southwest would be beneficial although not essential for organisations looking to expand into the region. The successful contractor will already have or need to develop a strong operational base within the vicinity, thus allowing for both adequate contract support and operational flexibility that is to be delivered to support the contract as and when needed moving forwards into this contractual term.

Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of the Trust’s message to its students. Connect Academy Trust were awarded the UK’s first EU Blue School status for their innovative ocean conservation curriculum. As such, the successful Supplier should be proactively working towards a sustainable service and making significant steps in producing their own plan towards carbon neutrality.

The services across the Schools are currently outsourced, and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of the current employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and, in this instance, the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme.

The Trust wishes to achieve as a result of this tender process:

1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements.

2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers.

3.Improved parental engagement to drive the uptake of meals across the Trust.

4.Messages of sustainability that support the Trust’s ethos.

5.Financial certainty and an understanding of the ongoing trading performance through the proactive provision of monthly trading data to support invoice charges, promoting an open book policy.

It is expected that experienced and insightful contract management will promote good levels of communication and engagement with the Trust and individual Schools. A suitable marketing campaign to the students, staff and parents alike is imperative to promote the uptake of meals.

This enhanced service should be supported by a well-trained catering team at the school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.

See SQ document for more information Additional information: Please be aware that this opportunity is now closed and this is the Contract Award Notice.