Thornton Primary School ~ Catering Tender

The successful Supplier will be required to provide Catering services for Thornton Primary School.

The catering service provision at the schools has been operated by Miquill and has not been market tested for 3 years. To ensure Best Value principles are applied the Headteacher and School Governors have made a decision to tender the catering service.

Thornton Primary School has 480 pupils (2024-25 roll); there are entitled to 240 FSM

The Vision:

At Thornton Primary School every child is just as important as the next. In short, every child matters. Everyone at Thornton is committed to providing a caring and friendly school, a happy place to learn because happy children make engaged learners.

Thornton Primary School is an inclusive community and we promote tolerance and respect for all. We value the individual contributions our pupils bring to school and we encourage and support them to fulfil their potential.

Our aim as a school is to provide a warm, friendly, atmosphere in a safe, caring environment, where children will be happy and successful. To achieve this, it is important that the school and home work positively together in partnership. This partnership is built through a regular dialogue between parents, child and school.

The School wishes to offer healthy and nutritious eating options within the menu, to include equally for all diets in terms of quality and choice, encompassing omnivorous, vegetarian, vegan and halal diets. The menu should be based on the use of fresh ingredients and bakery products.

There are other objectives which the schools wish to achieve as a result of this tender process:

1.The provision of a healthy balanced and flexible menu that meets nutritional guidelines and reflects the school’s diversity. enjoyed by our students.

2.Increase the take up of meals for all, including paid meals and FSM.

3.An effective marketing campaign should be implemented including the organisation of a series of theme days throughout the year ~ a minimum of two each term.

4.Attend termly parent evenings to promote the catering service.

5.To ensure that all hospitality is provided strictly at net cost of ingredients.

6.Provide a pre order service for the school staff.

The new contract will commence on 1 September 2025, for an initial 3year term with the option of additional 2 x 1 year extensions.

The staff are currently employed by Miquill, to manage and oversee the catering service and therefore TUPE Regulations including pension rights will apply to this contract.

The current value of the contract is approximately £150,000 per annum, which includes children, adult meals, and limited hospitality

See SQ document for more information. Additional information: To respond to this opportunity please click here: litmustms.co.uk/respond/563N22U65H ↗