News

Compass Group UK & Ireland’s education business, Chartwells, has retained its school meals catering contract, following a competitive tender, with West Sussex County Council for another five years in a deal worth £13 million annually.

Under the new contract, the 650 strong Chartwells team will continue to provide services to over 200 schools and WSCC will have the option to extend for a further five years after the initial five.

Lisa Bradstock, business director for Chartwells local authorities, said: “Chartwells has worked hard to deliver a great catering offer for schools in West Sussex. We are delighted to be able to further our relationship with the Council and continue to provide healthy and balanced school meals, and are looking forward to providing support for children, parents and teachers about healthy eating, throughout the county.”

Chartwells will provide a Steamplicity cooking system as most schools in the area do not have on-site cooking facilities.

The school catering company has previously worked with West Sussex County Council to reduce sugar content on menus and will now implement their LACA award winning ‘Eat Right, Stay Bright’ programme to engage with pupils, staff and parents.

The programme won the Nan Berger Memorial Award at the LACA Awards 2015 and saw school meal uptake increase by 20% in Isle of Wight schools during testing.