The Litmus Partnership is using Delta eSourcing to run this tender exercise
| Notice Summary |
|---|
| Title: | The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (TIMAT) ~ Catering Tender |
| Notice type: | UK4: Tender notice |
| Authority: | The Litmus Partnership |
| Nature of contract: | Services |
| Procedure: | Above threshold - Open procedure |
| Short Description: | The successful contractor will be required to provide catering services for the following two Primary Schools within The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (TIMAT): 1.Ernesettle Community School, Biggin Hill, Ernesettle, Plymouth, PL5 2RB 2.Tor Bridge Primary School, Eden Valley Gardens, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 8EE Trust website: https://www.timat.co.uk/ The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which is inclusive of all hospitality and free issue requirements. The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 25 May 2026, which is the first day of the May half term, with the potential to then extend for a further three 12-month periods. This extension will be granted by mutual consent and on the same terms and conditions as the original contract without the right to further extend beyond the full six years. The contract being offered within this tender will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with an expected profit share of any betterment to the agreed budget. While the Trust will be the principal contracting authority, each School will have its own individual budget for performance analysis and reconciliation. The Trust is seeking a suitably experienced contractor who is able to evidence working with multiple Primary Schools with varying requirements. The successful contractor will already have, or need to develop, a strong operational base within the South West, thus allowing for both adequate contract support and operational flexibility that is to be delivered to support the contract as and when needed moving forwards into this contract term. The services across the Schools are currently outsourced, and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of the current employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and, in this instance, the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme. The Trust wishes to offer wholesome, healthy eating options within the menus which should be based upon the use of fresh, local produce that is abundant throughout the South West to support the local economy. The Trust also wises to achieve as a result of this tender process: 1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements. 2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers. 3.Experienced and proactive contract management to promote good levels of communication and engagement with each School, as well as provide forthcoming management information regarding the financial and operational performance to the Trust during half-termly operational review meetings. 4.Well-trained catering teams at each school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service. 5.An effective marketing campaign that is suitable and appropriate for each school that should be promoted effectively to both pupils and parents alike. 6.Total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand. 7.The development of an economically and environmentally sustainable service. To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Trust is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where a balanced focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support. Please see PSQ Document for more information. |
| Published: | 15/01/2026 15:24 |
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Scope
Description: The successful contractor will be required to provide catering services for the following two Primary Schools within The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (TIMAT):
1.Ernesettle Community School, Biggin Hill, Ernesettle, Plymouth, PL5 2RB
2.Tor Bridge Primary School, Eden Valley Gardens, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 8EE
Trust website: https://www.timat.co.uk/
The contract covers the scope for the provision of all catering services within the Schools, which is inclusive of all hospitality and free issue requirements.
The duration of the contract being offered is for an initial three-year period commencing on 25 May 2026, which is the first day of the May half term, with the potential to then extend for a further three 12-month periods. This extension will be granted by mutual consent and on the same terms and conditions as the original contract without the right to further extend beyond the full six years.
The contract being offered within this tender will be on a guaranteed performance basis, with an expected profit share of any betterment to the agreed budget. While the Trust will be the principal contracting authority, each School will have its own individual budget for performance analysis and reconciliation.
The Trust is seeking a suitably experienced contractor who is able to evidence working with multiple Primary Schools with varying requirements. The successful contractor will already have, or need to develop, a strong operational base within the South West, thus allowing for both adequate contract support and operational flexibility that is to be delivered to support the contract as and when needed moving forwards into this contract term.
The services across the Schools are currently outsourced, and TUPE is expected to apply. It is anticipated that a number of the current employees are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and, in this instance, the successful contractor will be expected to gain Admitted Body Status (ABS) in order to continue contributing to the scheme.
The Trust wishes to offer wholesome, healthy eating options within the menus which should be based upon the use of fresh, local produce that is abundant throughout the South West to support the local economy.
The Trust also wises to achieve as a result of this tender process:
1.The provision of a healthy, balanced menu that meets nutritional guidelines and is enjoyed by all users of the service. This menu should be inclusive of those with special dietary requirements.
2.An innovative and flexible menu that is in keeping with current food trends. Offering frequent themed menus and initiatives that support the curriculum and various school led activities, ensuring the food offer remains varied and enticing to its customers.
3.Experienced and proactive contract management to promote good levels of communication and engagement with each School, as well as provide forthcoming management information regarding the financial and operational performance to the Trust during half-termly operational review meetings.
4.Well-trained catering teams at each school, with a focus by the successful contractor on both craft training and customer service.
5.An effective marketing campaign that is suitable and appropriate for each school that should be promoted effectively to both pupils and parents alike.
6.Total transparency with accounts that are clear and easy to understand.
7.The development of an economically and environmentally sustainable service.
To achieve overall value for money is an objective of this tender. However, please note that the Trust is not obliged to accept the lowest price and the contract award will be in line with the marking matrix published within the tender specification where a balanced focus will be given to food quality and innovation of the catering offer, as well the management support.
Please see PSQ Document for more information.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://litmustms.co.uk/tenders/UK-UK-Plymouth:-School-catering-services./359GD8D4EG
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/359GD8D4EG
Total value (estimated):
GBP 1,394,000 including VAT
Description
Contract dates (estimated)
25/05/2026 to 24/05/2029
CPV Classifications:
55524000 - School catering services.
Contract can be extended:
No
Extension Date:
Delivery regions:
Not Provided
Award criteria:
Quality criterion - Name: Criterion 1 / Weighting: 70
Quality criterion - Name: Criterion 2 / Weighting: 30
Submission
Enquiry deadline: 16/02/2026 Time: 12:00Tender submission deadline: 16/02/2026 Time: 12:00
Submission address and any special instructions: PSQ: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/359GD8D4EG
ITT: https://litmustms.co.uk/respond/K3U8E3772P
An electronic auction will be used: No
Languages that may be used for submission: English, Award decision date (estimated): 23/03/2026
Procedure
Procedure type: Open procedure
Contracting authority
The Inspire Multi Academy Trust, PTJN-4915-MMXD
The Inspire Multi Academy Trust, Central MAT Office, Ernesettle Community School, Plymouth, PL5 2RB, United Kingdom
Tel. 01276 673896, Email: tenders@litmuspartnership.co.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.timat.co.uk/
Organisation type: REGIONAL_AUTHORITY
Devolved regulations that apply: None