Issue - meetings

          The Board received a report from the Executive Director, Environment and Regeneration which provided an update on the current status on the cessation of the schools meals service provided by the Council.

          In February 2023, the Council agreed to remove the provision of the schools meals service.  Schools were allowed up to two financial years to either procure an alternative provider or opt to offer an in-house provision. 

          The report outlined the support that had been offered to schools.  An open day was held in April 2024, which allowed providers who had expressed an interest, an opportunity to showcase their services.  Schools were invited to attend DfE training sessions to assist them with a catering procurement package.  To date, several schools had engaged with the DfE.

          The Board was advised that to date, the Council’s School Meals Service was still providing catering for 27 of the 47 schools.  14 schools had given notice to terminate their contract before 1 January 2025.  13 schools were still to confirm their new catering arrangements by 31 March 2025.  Members of the Board to be provided with a list of these schools, for information.

          Of those schools that had progressed alternative arrangements, 15 school had chosen Orian Solutions, 5 had chosen Edsentials Catering Services and 2 had chosen Mellors Catering Solutions. 

          Members were reassured that the School Meals Management Team would work with the 13 outstanding schools and contact them again early in the Autumn Term to establish their intentions.  Any school that did not provide a transfer date by 1 October 2024 would be issued with a termination letter with effect from 31 March 2025.

          Following discussions and arising questions from Board Members, it was confirmed that:

·       Any school that did not make any necessary arrangements by the deadline, would have to employ in-house catering staff; and

·       Schools and their Governing Bodies were responsible for ensuring that school meals were provided for their pupils.

          RESOLVED:  The Board noted:

1)    the current position regarding the withdrawal from the provision of school meals; and

2)    the actions required to achieve the deadline of 31 March 2025.