School catering services

Description

Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust was officially formed in July 2016 and currently has 2 Schools: Robin Hood Academy and Cedars Academy, whilst it also supports Yenton Primary on a service level agreement. In the past 5 years, Robin Hood Academy has specialised in school-to-school support and so creating a multi-academy trust (MAT) seemed a natural progression to ensure lasting partnerships and build upon the effective work that has already taken place. Robin Hood Multi-Academy Trust goal is to constantly strive for improvement to ensure that the children in their care receive an engaging and innovative educational experience. The contract being tendered is for 3 years in duration from 1.1.2020 until 31.12.2022, with the option to extend the contract term for a further term of up to 2 years and will operate as a guaranteed performance contract, with the successful contractor offering the Schools a guaranteed cost per annum for the provision of catering services. Sovereignty of any cash tariff is to remain with the Schools for the duration of this contract. The MAT is expected to grow in the number of Schools becoming part of the MAT during this contract period. The provision of catering services within any further Schools, when they have joined the MAT, may fall under the scope of this contract. The successful supplier would be expected to provide the catering service within the additional Schools, using the same costing model, ratios, etc. that they applied to their successful financial submission for the MAT, at the point of tender submission. The duration of contract for these Schools will not be increased and they will join the contract for the remaining contract period that exists at the point of entry into the MAT. The academic year 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. Whilst the MAT prioritises value for money as a key objective of the Competitive Tender Process, they are not obliged to accept the lowest price. 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 teaching and support staff and students on roll, all of whom have a focus on the introduction of exciting new food concepts to satisfy a wide range of 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 offered covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which currently includes breakfast, morning break, lunch, all hospitality and free issue requirements. Free School meals, Universal Free School meals and hospitality will be charged based on consumption and at net food cost. The MAT 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 MAT expects the successful tenderer to evidence, through their bid, how they shall support and complement its values and support the principles of Keeping Children Safe in Education. The MAT 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. Much time therefore, is spent reviewing and planning schemes of work to ensure that they are differentiated to meet the needs of all students. As a result, Cedars Academy are very enthusiastic regarding work experience and apprenticeship proposals and would welcome the input of the successful contractor. As a MAT 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 inward capital investment as part of the contractor’s tender submission would be welcomed. The MAT would wish for the contractor to look at making this investment within the existing dining areas, with attention being given to the installation of a cashless systems at Robin Hood Academy and introduction of new systems where none are currently installed, the upgrade of the counter layouts and furnishings and the implementation of a procedure that would assist in producing a reduction of current queuing times. (Further info is in the SQ Document.)