Total Catering provision for 21 Church of England Primary Schools in Essex and Thurrock

As a centralised Multi Academy Trust of 20 Church of England Primary Schools, the operational resources for our schools catering provisions needs have been growing for some time. We are seeking a professional, experienced, innovative and competent catering provider to continue to provide great, healthy, school food throughout the day to ensure our children are well nourished and ready to learn. We recognise the need to meet all legislative requirements and value our schools catering provision and understand the challenges and complexities of this important part of the school day. The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust is a Multi- Academy Trust (MAT) created by the Diocese of Chelmsford. We are a supportive family of primary and junior schools located throughout Essex and Thurrock and as a Trust we strive to celebrate the uniqueness of each school serving their community. We provide our schools with the support needed to empower each child and adult to flourish. Over the past five years we have been on a journey of growth and improvement and all our work is underpinned by our strong Christian values which remain at the heart of every decision we have taken. The Vine Schools Trust has reached a point whereby it recognises the complexities and resources required around operating a catering provision, on an in-house model We now require a partner to fully manage our current catering provision in accordance a schedule of services for each school in line with mandatory Legislation relating to the catering provision. We are currently in a contract with a procurement company until November 2026 for the purchasing of all multi-temperature food/deliveries. It is envisaged that this will need to continue for the duration. Our procurement partner has indicated that they are open to working with the new provider Additional information: Tenders are to be submitted by 12pm Midday, 27 September 2024 via the tender submission template included in the Invitation to Tender Document available from Catering@dcvst.org