Meridian Academies Trust ~ Catering Tender

Our vision is to provide high quality education for all at the heart of local communities and our mission is to deliver, promote and inspire high quality educational provision in schools at the heart of their local communities. The trust has grown rapidly and consists of 30 schools, 1 Associate school and a further two primary schools expected to open in the next year, so we will be over 33 in the very near future. Please also note that this is a growing Trust and should any other schools join this Trust during the course of this contract, these schools may, at the discretion of the client, be added to this contract. Please note that where schools have an existing in house service the trust reserves the right to make it’s own appointment decision and reserves the right not to appoint any contractor bidding for this contract. 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 August 2024 to 31st July 2027. There will then be the option to extend for up to a maximum of a further 2 years, at the discretion of the client. Note some differing current contract end dates here if applicable. This contract will operate as a Guaranteed Performance Contract, with the successful Contractor offering the trust a guaranteed return / cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of the cash tariff is to remain with the Trust for the duration of this contract. Free School meals are to be charged based on uptake and with a margin attached and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. 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 School 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 breakfast service (where applicable) morning break (where applicable), lunch and all hospitality and free issue requirements. The Trust seeks a flexible contractor that can provide an excellent high quality service to all schools delivering continuity in high standards of quality, service and management across all schools - whilst being flexible with the offer delivered per school – tailored to each school’s specific set of students and requirements. 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 on-site. 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. Please see SQ document for more information.

Please see SQ document for more information.

Please see SQ document for more information.

• Num offers: 6
• Value: £28,885,042