Mulberry Schools Trust - Catering Services

Mulberry Schools Trust is a multi-academy trust comprising of 14 schools across London and East Sussex, including primary, secondary and technical education provision. Our schools serve communities with diverse backgrounds and needs, united by a shared commitment to outstanding achievement for all. Our approach is founded on the belief that education is a human right and has the power to transform lives and create greater equality of opportunity. We are committed to overcoming the barriers associated with social and economic disadvantage, combining high academic and technical ambition with rich personal development and opportunities that nurture creativity, leadership and self-determination.

Each of our schools has its own distinctive identity, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. Through collaboration, shared expertise and wider partnerships, we seek to provide an exceptional educational experience and the best possible opportunities for every child and young person. We recognise that the quality of services supporting our schools, including catering, contributes to pupils' health, wellbeing and overall school experience. We therefore value high standards, inclusivity and services that respond effectively to the differing needs of our school communities. Further information regarding Mulberry Schools Trust can be obtained here: mulberryschoolstrust.org ↗

Tender information:

The successful tenderer will be required to provide excellent catering services to 6 schools within Mulberry Schools Trust, which includes the following locations:

• Mulberry Academy Bexhill - secondary

•Mulberry Academy Hastings - secondary

•Mulberry Academy St Leonards - secondary

•Mulberry Baird Primary

•Mulberry Silverdale Primary

•Mulberry West St Leonards Primary

The contract will be awarded for an initial period of two years, commencing on 1 August 2027 and ending on 31 July 2029.

The Trust will have the option, at its sole discretion, to extend the contract for up to a further three years. Extensions may be exercised in periods of 12, 24 or 36 months, either individually or successively, subject to a maximum overall contract duration of five years, ending no later than 31 July 2032. The Trust may exercise further extension options during any existing extension period, provided that the total extension period does not exceed three years. Any extension will be exercised by written notice in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Trust is under no obligation to exercise any extension option. The contract offers an excellent opportunity to review and propose enhancements to the current catering services. This includes but is not limited to; breakfast, morning break, lunchtime and after school services, over the academic year, plus hospitality services upon request.

The Client is keen to secure a high quality catering service including fresh locally sourced ingredients prepared on site, with a menu design that is flexible to suit the requirements of the specific students. The Client is proud of their ‘family ethos’ and expects both a tightly managed service and a management style delivered by the successful contractor that supports, encourages and develops the catering staff.

Contract Objectives:

1 - High-quality, nutritious and appealing food

The contractor is expected to deliver freshly prepared, nutritious and appetising meals using high-quality, seasonal and responsibly sourced ingredients, with food prepared on site wherever practicable. Menus should offer variety, promote healthy eating, reflect pupils' preferences and comply with all applicable School Food Standards.

2 - High levels of pupil satisfaction and meal uptake

The Contractor must create a positive, welcoming and enjoyable dining experience that encourages pupils to choose school meals. The contractor should actively seek to improve pupil satisfaction and meal uptake, including participation by pupils eligible for free school meals, while ensuring that all pupils are treated with dignity and that access to meals is inclusive and free from stigma.

3 - A service responsive to individual school communities

The Contractor must provide a flexible, pupil-centred service that recognises the different requirements of primary and secondary pupils and the individual circumstances of each school. Menus, service arrangements and dining experiences should be informed by meaningful engagement with pupils, parents and school leaders, while maintaining consistently high standards across all six schools.

4 - Exceptional standards of food safety and dietary inclusion

The Contractor must maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, allergen management and safe food preparation and service. Appropriate provision must be made for pupils with allergies, medical or special dietary requirements, and religious, cultural or ethical food preferences, supported by effective procedures, staff training and communication with schools and families.

5 - Affordability, financial sustainability and value for money

The Contractor must deliver an affordable and financially sustainable catering service that offers value for money to pupils, families and the Trust without compromising food quality or nutritional standards. The contractor will be expected to demonstrate effective financial management, transparent pricing, efficient operations and a proactive approach to improving participation and the overall performance of the service.

6 - Environmental sustainability and responsible sourcing

The Contractor must demonstrate a commitment to environmentally responsible catering through sustainable and ethical purchasing, appropriate use of seasonal and locally sourced produce, efficient use of energy and water, and the reduction of food waste and unnecessary packaging. The contractor should also support opportunities to develop pupils' understanding of food, nutrition and sustainability.

7 - A valued, skilled and well-supported catering workforce

The Contractor must provide effective, visible and supportive leadership that reflects the Trust's family ethos and fosters a positive working environment. The contractor will be expected to value and develop its catering teams through appropriate staffing, training, professional development and opportunities for progression, recognising that motivated and well-supported staff are fundamental to the quality and consistency of the service.

8 - A collaborative partnership focused on continuous improvement

The Contractor must establish a proactive and accountable working relationship with the Trust and individual schools, characterised by open communication, responsiveness and a shared commitment to excellence. The contractor will be expected to demonstrate strong operational management, reliable service delivery, effective contingency arrangements and transparent performance reporting, using feedback and service data to identify improvements and respond promptly to emerging needs. The Client is not obliged to accept the lowest price submitted for this tender, rather they are keen to secure ‘best value’ from this contract and to deliver ‘best value’ to the students. Innovative and creative ideas as to how the services can be developed and value added, will be welcomed. The Client seeks a contractor that is keen to work in partnership and who will deliver to its highest abilities, at all times.

Value of contract:

The annual value of the current contract is £ 1,608,161

Therefore the value of this contract is £ 8,040,809

The contract shall be a guaranteed performance contract with any hospitality requirements billed separately.

Additional requirements and information:

•The Client has a minimum requirement for a contractor’s employers' liability and public liability insurances of £5 million

•To be considered for this opportunity, suppliers must demonstrate that they meet the following minimum financial requirements:

1.Annual turnover: At least £1 million in the most recently completed financial year.

2.Available liquidity: At least £200,000 in unrestricted cash reserves and/or undrawn, committed credit facilities.

3.Quick ratio: At least 0.9, calculated as current assets (excluding stock) divided by current liabilities.

These requirements will be assessed on a pass/fail basis, using the supplier's latest available financial statements and appropriate supporting financial evidence.

Suppliers may satisfy these requirements through qualifying, legally binding financial support from another organisation, subject to verification in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

•There are incumbent catering staff currently within the Local Government Pension Scheme

•The catering services are currently contracted to Accent Catering.

•Please note this is a growing Trust and any other schools that may join the Trust during the tenure of this new catering contract may, at the Trust’s discretion, be added to this contract.

•Please note that the successful tenderer will be required to pay the RIVA tender fee for this project directly to RIVA, upon their contract award.

•The client reserves the right not to appoint in conclusion of this project.

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