Compass-owned education catering firm, Chartwells has launched a joint venture to provide food and caretaking services with the London Borough of Hounslow Council.
The new joint venture company, worth an expected £6.1m per year, will be known as ‘Chartwells, Feeding Futures with London Borough of Hounslow’ and has been awarded a Pan London Framework Agreement - which enables schools and Local Authorities across London to receive the service - for four years.
Up to 65 primary and special schools in Hounslow, Hillingdon and Ealing will come under this London Framework Agreement from 1 August 2014 and 300 council employees will TUPE to Chartwells.
Schools that are part of the joint venture will have access to a range of new and exciting benefits from September 2014, including the introduction of menus accredited with the Food For Life Bronze Standard Catering Mark.
This accolade recognises healthy, freshly prepared, ethically-sourced menus which are free from undesirable additives and artificial trans fats.
The new food offer will be supported by marketing materials and a range of food-based activities, enhancing the dining experience for pupils.
In addition to re-launching the catering for pupils, Chartwells will also provide support and development for its teams and the wider school community.
Catering teams will have opportunities to develop through craft training and undertake a range of e-learning courses, building on their culinary and service skills.
Nutritional support will be available to schools from Chartwells’ dedicated nutrition team, who will provide advice on topics such as menus, special diets and allergens. Master classes will also be on offer for teachers and community cookery classes are being introduced for children and parent.
Chartwells is also investing £250k in a Hounslow-based central kitchen that will produce meals for the borough’s schools that do not currently have cooking facilities. This new development will also become a training centre for students and parents; supporting schools in delivering cookery as part of the National Curriculum and helping families develop their skills so that they can make tasty nutritious meals at home.
Robin Mills, Managing Director of Chartwells, commented, “We’re delighted to begin this new partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow Council and are extremely excited about the potential of this unique joint venture. Nutritious meals are essential to building healthy bodies and sharp minds for pupils and we look forward to working together with Hounslow Council to do this.”
Nick Moore, General Manager DS Catering from the London Borough of Hounslow Council, said, “Following a competitive tender, we’re really pleased to announce our joint venture partnership with Chartwells. Key to this decision is our confidence in their extensive experience and support teams, and commitment to investing in our schools for the future.”