Dagenham Park Church of England School ~ Catering Tender

The school is currently looking for a catering contractor with extensive experience to provide catering services at Dagenham Park Church of England School. The contractor must be highly creative and innovative in increasing meal uptakes while introducing new food concepts that cater to the diverse range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The chosen contractor must have extensive knowledge and expertise in providing healthy food options that are fresh, seasonal, locally sourced, and prepared at the school. This includes being well-versed in nutritional standards and requirements to ensure that the menus fuel pupils throughout the day. Additionally, the contractor will be expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the current catering services and provide recommendations on how to enhance the existing offerings. The main aim of this exercise is to deliver a superior catering experience that aligns with the school's vision and values.

The chosen contractor must propose innovative ways to make the contract more environmentally friendly and carbon neutral. This should apply to both the contract delivery and the contractor's organization, following the environmental policies of Dagenham Park Church of England School. The contractor's approach to sustainability must align with that of the school.

The contract being tendered is from 1st April 2025 until 31st March 2028 for an initial 3-year period with an option to extend for a further 2 years at the discretion of the client. The contract will operate as a guaranteed performance Contract, with the successful contractor offering the school a guaranteed return/ cost for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with the school for the duration of this contract.

The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the School, which currently includes, breakfast mid-morning break, lunch, all hospitality, and free issue requirements. Free School meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost.

Whilst the School prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, it is not obliged to accept the lowest price.

Contract value:

Sales performance per annum is circa £421,693

The value of the new contract is circa £2,108,465 (Current annual contract cost, multiplied by 5, being the maximum 5-year term of the contract)

Other notes:

•Please be advised that this contract will be let on a 3 + 1 + 1 year basis.

•Please be advised that there may be catering staff on LGPS, this will be confirmed before submitting a tender bid.

•Please be advised that the catering service is currently contracted to Aspens Catering Services.

•Please be advised that the School has a minimum requirement for a contractor’s employer liability/ public liability and professional indemnity insurance of £10m

•The minimum annual turnover that your company must have achieved to be considered for this opportunity is £1m

•The winning bidder is required to pay the Litmus tender fee of £2,750 plus VAT, directly to the Litmus Partnership, upon contract award.

See SQ Document for more information Additional information: Please note, this is a Contract Award Notice, this contract has already been awarded.