Tender

DfE School Food Strategy Catering Providers Market Engagement

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

27 Mar 2026 at 11:39

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process titled "DfE School Food Strategy Catering Providers Market Engagement" is initiated by the Department for Education (DfE) and is classified under the industry categories of "School meals" and "School catering services." This initiative is part of a wider effort to comprehend and enhance the school food market in anticipation of extending Free School Meal eligibility. While this is not a procurement opportunity, the engagement process allows existing school catering providers in regions including the North East, North West, and London among others, to share their insights. This market engagement is currently at the 'Tender' stage, with a closing date for participation set at 12 PM on the 1st of May, 2026. The engagement period is scheduled to commence on the 4th of May, 2026, and conclude by the 5th of May, 2027.

This tender is an opportunity for businesses currently engaged in school catering to influence future strategies, thereby presenting growth potential for entities looking to expand within the public sector's food service markets. It is particularly suitable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) that have existing contracts with schools. By participating, businesses can showcase their capabilities and gain a better understanding of future opportunities that may arise from adjusted food strategy and policies. Engaging in this process allows these organisations to contribute to shaping the market's future, ensuring they are aligned with potential new demands and requirements set by the Department for Education.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

DfE School Food Strategy Catering Providers Market Engagement

Notice Description

Department for Education School Food and Catering Market Engagement Process The Department for Education is seeking market engagement with existing Catering providers of School Catering that already have contracts with School(s). This is a crucial part of the Department's wider efforts to build on existing knowledge and gain further understanding of the school food market ahead of the planned expansion of Free School Meal eligibility to all children in households in receipt of Universal Credit in September 2026. The Department plans to run a market engagement process over the coming months. This Market Engagement shall NOT result in a procurement opportunity and is solely intended to give Caterers the opportunity to offer valuable insight into how School Food and Catering is delivered. This market engagement is part of a wider programme of engagement by the Department with schools, Local Authorities and other stakeholders. If you are a current provider of school catering interested in engaging with the Department, please complete the questionnaire in the online form - link attached. The closing date for completing the questionnaire is 12PM on Friday 1st May 2026.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-75a929c9-9a8d-46d4-a1cb-59d9bed616ee
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/fe211f44-56c0-4928-b29e-0d4730059f72
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Other - This notice is not a call for competition and will not result in a Contract opportunity
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

15 - Food, beverages, tobacco and related products

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

CPV Codes

15894210 - School meals

55524000 - School catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
1 May 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 May 2026 - 5 May 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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