Innovate – New Catering Provider from September 2026
Dear Parents and Carers
We have recently completed a comprehensive federation-wide procurement process for catering services, as the current contracts are due to expire on 31 August 2026. To ensure a rigorous, transparent, and thorough tender exercise, the process has been supported by the Litmus Partnership, specialists in education catering procurement.
We are delighted to announce that Innovate, part of the Impact Food Group (IFG), has been appointed as our new catering provider. The new contract will commence on 1 September 2026, and preparations for a smooth transition are already underway.
Throughout the procurement process, all prospective providers were assessed against a wide range of criteria, including:
- Food quality and nutritional standards
- Value for money
- Sustainability and environmental impact
- Service delivery and operational excellence
- The ability to meet the diverse needs of our pupils and school communities
Innovate demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering fresh, nutritious, and appealing meals, alongside an excellent understanding of the needs of our schools. We are confident that they will provide a high-quality catering service that supports our pupils’ health, wellbeing, and enjoyment of school meals.
As part of the launch of this new partnership, Innovate is offering a complimentary meal to all Year 7 pupils on their first day at school, helping to welcome them to their new secondary school environment and introduce them to the catering offer available.
We look forward to working in partnership with Innovate and are excited about the opportunities and benefits this new relationship will bring to our pupils, families, and wider school communities.
For further information on Innovate and their provision to the Academy, please click HERE
Should you have any questions, please contact your school in the first instance.
Yours sincerely
Heidi Clement | Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities, Cabot Learning Federation
