Thomson House School ~ catering tender

Thomson House School is a 2-form Primary School in Richmond, South-West London. The first school in Stamp Education Trust, it opened in 2013 and now operates with all year groups – Reception to Year 6. As an academy, Thomson House has always strived to do things differently, it benefits from an engaged and active parent body, with school values of Curiosity, Courage and Kindness.

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 for the 365 students on roll and 50 teaching and support staff, with a focus on exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of pupil tastes and dietary requirements. The School would wish the successful contractor to review the current range of services offered and make recommendations accordingly. The school has a policy of compulsory school meals for all pupils believing strongly in the value of a daily hot meal for every child.

The contract being tendered is for three years in duration, with the option to extend for 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 School a guaranteed return / cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with Thomson House School for the duration of this contract.

The School year is based on a calendar of 190 days. Five days are to be used for staff professional development which means that School will be open to receive students for 185 days.

The contract offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the School, which currently includes lunch and occasional hospitality as well as free issue requirements. Free School meals are to be charged with a margin attached and any 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, the Governing body is not obliged to accept the lowest price.

Thomson House School 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 on-site. The School expects the successful tenderer to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its values.

Further information can be found within the SQ Document.