003625 - Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) for the Provision of Meals at Aycliffe Secure Centre

Durham County Council is seeking market engagement in relation to a future contract for the provision of a fully managed catering service at Aycliffe Secure Centre, a secure children's home accommodating up to 34 young people aged 10-18 years. The service will operate seven days per week, 365 days per year and will include the planning, preparation and delivery of nutritious meals for young people and staff.

The catering service will include the provision of a daily two course lunch and evening meal service, with at least a choice of two main dishes for an agreed contract meal price, plus a management fee. In addition, the provider will also provide a weekend brunch provision (instead of lunch), special dietary and allergen management, menu development, themed and cultural food events, packed lunches, hospitality catering and ongoing engagement with young people to help shape food offerings.

The successful provider will be responsible for kitchen operations, staffing, food safety compliance, safeguarding requirements, supply chain management, sustainability initiatives, performance monitoring and contract management. The Council is seeking a proactive and flexible provider capable of delivering a high-quality catering experience that supports the health, wellbeing and diverse cultural, religious and medical needs of young people within a secure environment.

The Council is particularly interested in hearing from suppliers with experience of catering within education, healthcare, residential care, custodial or similarly regulated environments where safeguarding, nutrition, compliance and stakeholder engagement are key service requirements The contract will commence 1st September 2027 and will be for a period of 36 months with 2 x 24 month optional extension periods. The approximate annual contract value is up to £280,000 per annum.

It is anticipated that this contract will be procured via an Open Tender procurement process, in Autumn/Winter 2026. A full tender specification will be provided for the tender process.