Danes Educational Trust — UK public procurement notice

Catering Services Opportunity

Invitation to Tender – Catering Services Across 13 Schools within Danes Educational Trust

Danes Educational Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional, innovative and collaborative catering partner to deliver high-quality catering services across its family of 13 schools, comprising 6 Primary Schools and 7 Secondary Schools.

As a dynamic and ambitious Multi Academy Trust, Danes Educational Trust is committed to providing outstanding educational environments where pupils and students can flourish. The Trust recognises the vital role that food, nutrition and the dining experience play in supporting wellbeing, educational outcomes and the development of healthy lifelong habits. Consequently, the Trust is seeking a catering provider that shares its vision, values and commitment to excellence.

The successful catering partner will be responsible for delivering fresh, nutritious and appealing food offers that meet the diverse needs of pupils, students and staff across both primary and secondary settings. The Trust is looking for a provider that will move beyond traditional school catering models, bringing innovation, creativity and commercial expertise to create vibrant and engaging dining experiences that increase participation and enhance customer satisfaction.

Menus should offer a range of contemporary, nutritious and appealing choices that reflect current food trends whilst remaining fully compliant with School Food Standards. The successful provider will be expected to continually evolve and develop its offer, ensuring that food provision remains relevant, exciting and responsive to the feedback of students, pupils and staff.

Food safety and allergen management are of paramount importance to the Trust. Bidders must clearly demonstrate that allergen awareness, risk management and food safety are embedded throughout their organisation and form part of the company's culture and operational DNA. The Trust expects robust allergen controls, comprehensive staff training, effective communication processes and industry-leading systems to protect those with dietary requirements and food allergies.

Danes Educational Trust is seeking more than a contractor; it is looking for a genuine strategic partner that will work collaboratively with school leaders and stakeholders to support wider educational objectives, engage with pupils and students, promote healthy eating, support sustainability initiatives and contribute positively to each school's culture and community.

Bidder Requirements

Prospective bidders must be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience delivering catering services within a Multi Academy Trust environment.

• A successful track record of operating across multiple school locations under a single contract structure.

• Proven experience catering for both Primary and Secondary Schools, with a clear understanding of the differing requirements, dining patterns and expectations of each phase.

• The capability and resources to successfully manage catering services across 13 schools comprising 6 Primary Schools and 7 Secondary Schools.

• Strong evidence of increasing meal uptake, enhancing customer satisfaction and delivering excellent value for money.

• Full compliance with all relevant legislation relating to food safety, nutrition, employment, safeguarding, health and safety, and allergen management.

• Robust allergen management systems, procedures and training programmes embedded throughout the organisation.

• A commitment to innovation through menu development, themed events, promotional activities and customer engagement initiatives.

• Proven mobilisation and change management expertise to ensure a seamless transition from any incumbent provider.

• Financial stability and the ability to invest in continuous service improvement, training, technology and innovation throughout the contract term.

• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability, food provenance, waste reduction and supporting environmental objectives.

Partnership Expectations

The appointed provider will be expected to:

• Deliver consistently high standards of food quality and customer service.

• Work in partnership with school leaders, Trust representatives and key stakeholders.

• Engage regularly with pupils, students and staff to shape and improve the catering offer.

• Support food education, health and wellbeing initiatives across the Trust.

• Maintain outstanding standards of food safety, allergen management and compliance.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation throughout the contract term.

• Create welcoming dining environments that encourage healthy eating habits and increase participation.

Contract Opportunity

The contract will be awarded for an initial term of three years, with the option, at the Trust's discretion, to extend for a further two years based on successful performance, service quality and continued alignment with the Trust's strategic objectives.

This represents an exciting opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking catering organisation to partner with Danes Educational Trust and play a central role in enhancing the daily experience of pupils, students and staff across its schools. The Trust welcomes interest from dynamic, ambitious and education-focused catering providers capable of delivering a service that reflects the values, aspirations and excellence expected throughout the Trust.