Schools Catering Group Contract Proposal for April 2025 - March 2027

Following a significant period of scrutiny and feedback from schools, NCC invites LA schools to join a newly re-negotiated group contract for Schools Catering with Norse to commence 1st April 2025 (or later if waiting for other arrangements to end). 

Please view attached documents for further information and use the contact details below for any questions. 

• NCC School Meals Specification (PDF, 453 KB)
• Catering Services to Schools Brochure 2025 (PDF, 16 MB)
• Group Catering Contract Pricing 2025 (PDF, 90 KB)
• Stakeholder meeting with schools Presentation (PDF, 1 MB)

Some of the key aims of negotiation were to achieve a consistent offer across all schools in the contract, provide certainty and stability, and to limit cost increases as much as possible. 

The offer therefore comprises of:

• A two-year contract;
• A guaranteed price for year one, with a defined formula that limits potential uplift for year two;
• A new 24/7 Help Desk as an initial point of contact for operational issues;
• NCC holding and managing the contract for greater quality assurance (implementing a Performance Management Framework, supporting the Consultative Group, and monitoring regular reporting from Norse), plus financial administration.

Please see the new proposed Service Specification attached for greater detail and clarity on what NCC will expect Norse to deliver, along with a copy of slides from a recent workshop for schools, and marketing materials provided by Norse.

Costs for the first year will be:

• £2.58 per meal for Universal Infant Free School Meals
• £2.58 per meal for meals provided to pupils eligible for Free Schools Meals
• £2.70 per meal for 'paid for' meals.
• £10,800 'annual balancing fee' (compared to £10,266 last year), balancing the real cost of delivering the service.

Please note that costs are calculated on the basis that all current schools in the contract continue to commit to the offer as above.  We're also hopeful that new schools will be attracted to join.  If the number of schools committing varies significantly (either up or down), costs will be reviewed and shared with you again.

The cost of NCC contract management and financial administration is calculated on the same basis, estimated as an additional £334 pa per school, charged in full in the first period of the financial year. 

Norse will also offer an entirely optional separate coverage for equipment and maintenance that will not form part of the Group Contract.

Next Steps

If you're interested in joining the contract we need a show of commitment based on the costs mentioned above.  

1. If you are already part of the group contract:  
   Please complete this response form to let us know whether or not you wish to continue with the service as per the new proposal.  If you are making other arrangements for April 2025 please let us know. We need to hear by Friday 17 January 2025. 
2. If you aren't yet part of the group contract: 
   You're welcome to join from 1 April 2025, but you can join at any point during the contract period. Please complete this response form to let us know when you're able to start by Friday 17 January 2025 so we can plan ahead. 

Thank you to all the schools who have participated in surveys and consultations over the last 18 months. We hope this re-negotiated offer will provide added value going forward.   

Contacts

For any questions about the catering offer: 

• Mark Gallant, Business Development Manager, Tel: 07834 808470.  
  Website: www.norsegroup.co.uk  

For any questions about contractual terms: 

• Jenny Cuthbert, Commissioning & Service Development Manager 
• Simon Paylor, Strategic Commissioner