Sherborne Area Schools' Trust ~ Catering Tender

SAST is a family of 18 Primary and Secondary schools across Dorset and Somerset, working together to deliver educational excellence for all of the children within these communities. More information with regards to the Trust can be found here: https://www.sast.org.uk/ The Trust is seeking to ensure best value from the catering provision at its’ schools. Across the schools at present, there are some in house catering solutions, some contracted solutions, some schools that are hub kitchens and some that have their meals delivered in. This tender provides the opportunity to consolidate, streamline and improve the catering provision across the Trust, under one contracted provider. Contract value: Sales performance per annum for all schools is circa £735,000 The value of the new contract is therefore circa £3,675,000 (Total annual sales at all schools, multiplied by 5 as the maximum term of the contract is 5 years) The tender The tender project is seeking to appoint a Contractor whose initiative and innovation will be welcomed for the provision of service within the existing facilities of all schools, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The Schools would wish the successful contractor to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly. The contract being tendered is for three years in duration from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2027 with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years at the discretion of the client. This contract will operate as a Guaranteed Performance Contract, with the successful Contractor offering the Schools a guaranteed return / cost per annum or cost per meal, for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with the Trust for the duration of this contract. The School year at all schools, is based on a calendar of 195 days. Five days are to be used for staff professional development which means that Schools will be open to receive students for the legal minimum of 190 days. The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which currently includes (where applicable); morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School meals are to be charged per pupil on uptake with a margin attached, and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. Whilst the Trust prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, it is not obliged to accept the lowest price. The Trust expects the successful contractor to enable the continued development of catering through the provision of an innovative, healthy food service, with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients being prepared. The Trust expects the successful tenderer to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its values and support the principles of Every Child Matters. The Trust believes that success should be celebrated and that pupils should enjoy their time at school; if lessons are stimulating and challenging then students will love learning. As schools 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 funding improvements as part of the Contractor’s tender submission would be welcomed. Please see SQ Document for more information. Additional information: This contract has now been awarded.