Chartwells, Compass Group UK & Ireland’s specialist provider of catering to schools, academies, colleges and universities, has embarked on a new joint venture to provide food and caretaking services with the London Borough of Hounslow Council worth an expected £6.1 million per year.
Chartwells, Feeding Futures with London Borough of Hounslow
The new joint venture company 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.
Food for Life Bronze Standard
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.
Support and development for teams and schools
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 elearning 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.
Central kitchen
Chartwells is also investing £250,000 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.
About Chartwells
Chartwells, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland, is the leading provider of catering and support services to schools, colleges and universities in the UK. Chartwells works with over 2,000 education units including primary schools, secondary schools, independent schools, colleges and universities.
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