Tender for the Provision of Nursery Food - Supply and Delivery

The University of Birmingham has three Day Nurseries providing quality childcare and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. They offer exceptional childcare provision, filled with fun and activities based on educational play where ideas can be explored and experiences shape, stimulate and develop precious young minds and bodies. The nurseries are registered with OFSTED and have received 'Good' and 'Outstanding' grading. This has included the creation of a pre-school unit at The Oaks Day nursery accommodating 40 children aged 3-5 years.

The nurseries operate from 07:30 until 17:55 Monday - Friday, 50.8 weeks of the year, closing on Public Holidays and University closed days. Children can attend full-time or on a session basis of morning and/or afternoon, enabling parents to make flexible use of childcare services.

We require daily (Monday - Friday) deliveries of hot food to the University's three Nurseries and pre-school with a quality, healthy menu which reflects the season, meets children's dietary requirements and is changed frequently. The company needs to use locally sourced produce.

The company should be compliant with the Foundation Years' Eat Better, Start Better guidance, have a comprehensive system for the traceability of food sourced and be able to mitigate any risk, be able to provide evidence upon request for supporting sustainability, and be aiming to source foods locally where possible.

A two-course hot lunchtime meal and a selection of hot and cold teas will be required for approximately 300 children. The successful supplier will be expected to cater for specific dietary needs such as religious, cultural, food intolerances/allergies etc. The recently published 'Eat Better, Start Better' guidance and the NHS/Startwell guidance for young children's meals MUST be adhered to. Food must be provided in sealed hot boxes which keep food at the required temperature of 65 degrees or above.

The Contract will commence on 1st September 2023 and run for an initial trial period of six months. Subject to this trial period being satisfactory, the contract will run for a total period of 3 years, subject to at least annual performance and commercial review. It may be extended for a further period of one year. The Contract will not exceed a maximum period of four years subject to at least annual reviews.