Invitation to Tender for the provision of Catering Services at The Lantern Learning Trust and Hawksworth Wood Primary School

The Lantern Learning Trust and Hawksworth Wood Primary School have decided to tender their catering services to investigate the financial and qualitative benefits they could be offered through this process.

The Schools involved are: -

• Blenheim Primary School
• Brudenell School
• Quarry Mount Primary School
• Rosebank Primary School
• Hawksworth Wood Primary School

Aims of the Service

The Trust and Hawksworth Wood wish to be at the forefront of school catering and as such require a modern, branded offer that reflects the leading trends in the industry.

At this time, the Trust's wish is to commence a catering contract, with a partner who shares their vision for a customer-focused service that attracts the maximum number of students. The meals that are to be provided must be appealing to customers, imaginative, provide good value for money and be nutritionally balanced to encourage all students to make an educated choice.

The Trust's objectives for the new contract are as follows:-

• Natasha's Law (2021): Full allergen labelling on all pre-packed food.
• HFA Halal Compliance where required.
• Healthy eating promotion & food education initiatives.
• Seasonal, locally sourced produce prioritised.
• A catering service that is well managed and requires minimal involvement from the Trust's management team.
• A strong Contractor Area Manager who will develop and lead the team to deliver exceptional customer service, a consistently high quality food offer and spend a substantial amount of time on site at the outset to undertake this.
• A Contractor who is proactive in their relationship management with the Trust.
• Investment in the Trust's Catering service through increased marketing in return for a tenure of contract.
• A higher number of students and staff using the facilities by providing a high quality, affordable and nutritious meal.
• A catering service that encourages students to take a heathy and balanced meal.
• Food and drinks that look appetising and are attractively presented.
• A hospitality service that will help showcase the Trust through events to parents and visitors.
• A Contractor that adopts a flexible and proactive approach to all Trust activities.
• A service that is professionally merchandised and marketed with discretion and to the mutual benefit of the Trust and the Contractor.
• A Contractor that operates using the optimum level of staffing.

Tender Schedule:

Issue of Invitation to Tender - 16th March 2026

Bidding Companies to Visit Sites - 31st March 2026

Clarification Deadline - 10th April 2026

Clarification Return Deadline - 15th April 2026

Deadline for return of Tender Responses - 12:00 on 17th April 2026

Presentation by shortlisted bidders - 19th May 2026

Reference site visits - w/c 18th May 2026 or w/c 1st Jun

Contract Awarded by - 5th June 2026

Mobilisation Meeting - w/c 22nd June 2026

Contract Commencement - 1st September 2026