Do schools really have the time to do it all?

Getting catering right is about more than just feeding pupils. It’s about balancing tight budgets, meeting legal requirements, supporting staff, and above all, ensuring children receive the quality food they deserve. But putting a catering contract in place is not simple. It’s a long, multi-step process that demands time and expertise that many schools simply don’t have to spare.

Here’s what a full catering contract process involves:

The reality for schools

Each step is involved, time consuming and carries risks if not done correctly. Business managers, heads and teachers already go the extra mile every day. Adding this process on top is often unrealistic.

The benefits of outsourcing procurement

This is where outsourcing to a specialist partner makes a real difference:

Outsourcing doesn’t mean losing control. It means knowing the process is handled by experts, while you keep oversight and benefit from the savings, reassurance and improved quality.

Why schools trust Procure

We work exclusively in education, bringing decades of procurement, education and finance experience together. We understand the pressures schools face and we care about delivering solutions that protect budgets and improve the day-to-day experience of pupils and staff alike.

Let us take the burden off your shoulders.

If your school is approaching a catering contract renewal or struggling with current arrangements, Procure can manage the entire process from start to finish. Get in touch today and see how much time and money you could save.

We write about school budgets a lot. Not because we’re repeating ourselves, but because the system is fundamentally broken, and the impact on schools is getting worse. Every year, we see schools forced to stretch every penny, often without the time or resources to make strategic decisions.

A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) confirms what many school leaders have been experiencing first-hand: despite a £2.3 billion funding uplift, most mainstream schools will not feel the benefit. Why? Because rising special educational needs (SEN) costs, inflation, and mounting operational pressures are eating into core school budgets.

In fact, the IFS suggests costs are rising faster than funding, leaving schools to plug the gap themselves.

SEN Pressures Are Forcing Tough Trade-Offs

According to the data, much of the additional funding for 2025–26 will be absorbed by escalating SEN provision costs. That means less funding available for core services including staffing, infrastructure and school meals.

When every line of the budget is under pressure, one of the easiest areas to overlook is procurement. But this is a critical mistake. Poor procurement decisions can cost schools tens of thousands of pounds – money that could be reinvested into learning environments or pupil wellbeing.

Why School Procurement Can’t Be Left to Chance

We specialise in school procurement. It’s all we do. Whether it’s school catering procurement, cleaning contracts or energy supply and efficiency, our goal is simple: to save schools money without sacrificing quality.

We talk about budgets because we see the damage that ineffective procurement is doing, not just to finances, but to the people in your schools. When contracts are misaligned, outdated or overpriced, pupils suffer and staff are left picking up the pieces.

We’ve helped schools across the UK:

The Real Cost of Poor School Catering Procurement

We’ve written before about the state of school meal procurement in the UK, and the stark choices schools are being forced to make. Read our blog: School Meals Under Pressure.

Too often, we see schools stuck in catering contracts that are:

That’s where we come in, reviewing, re-tendering, and renegotiating to make sure school catering procurement actually works for you.

You Didn’t Sign Up to Be a Procurement Specialist And You Shouldn’t Have To

Whether you’re a business manager juggling a dozen priorities, or a teacher trying to focus on pupils, one thing’s clear: you didn’t enter education to become a procurement expert.

Yet the system increasingly expects you to be just that, managing contracts, negotiating terms, chasing value all while trying to deliver for your students.

That’s where we come in. Procure is here to be your partner, not just another service provider. We lift the commercial weight, so you and your team can focus on what matters most, education, wellbeing and school life.

And yes, we’ll keep writing about budgets. Not because it’s all we talk about, but because until the system starts working for schools, this is the fight worth having.

Further Reading

Want to know what to look for in a procurement partner? Start here:

We’re here to help schools get more value from every contract especially when it comes to school meals, facilities and essential services. If you’re reviewing your school procurement strategy, let’s talk.

Your Role is Education. Ours is Procurement.

As the new school year approaches, the pressure to deliver more with less hasn’t gone away. You’re expected to stretch squeezed budgets, manage complex contracts and still prioritise pupil wellbeing. That’s a lot to ask and it’s not what you signed up for.

That’s why we’ve created this Back to School Checklist. It’s designed to help school leaders take control of the year ahead, tackling key issues across catering, cleaning, energy and facilities – with clear actions that protect your budget and your pupils.

From contract reviews and energy savings to better meal delivery and dignity in FSM, this checklist brings together our expertise – and our partnerships with Eden Energy Partners and Utility Works – to make sure you don’t miss a trick.

Download it, use it, and get the support you need to do what matters most – focus on your students.

The Numbers Don’t Add Up: Why School Catering Budgets Are Breaking

Over the past few weeks, we’ve reviewed hundreds of school catering budgets and the same issue keeps emerging: the government’s funding for Free School Meals (FSM) no longer reflects the real cost of providing them.

In April, FSM funding increased by just 3p, from £2.58 to £2.61. That’s a rise of just over 1%. Compare that with the pressures schools are up against.

Schools are being asked to do more with less, and those working in education whether in leadership or in the kitchen are the ones making it work against the odds.

Caught in the Middle

Schools want to do the right thing. Many are reluctant to raise the price of paid meals because they know families are struggling. But this puts even more pressure on already stretched budgets, with some schools quietly subsidising meals from other funding pots (or in some cases their own pocket!). 

Teachers, business managers, and in-house catering staff are doing incredible work in difficult circumstances. But the reality is: without the right tools, support, or buying power, even the most dedicated team can only do so much.

Why In-House Teams Are Under Pressure

We’ve recently spoken to two schools who manage catering internally. Their kitchen teams care deeply about feeding children well and they do it with heart. But they’re struggling to manage rising costs, changing food standards, and the commercial realities that weren’t so pressing a few years ago.

None of this is about blame. It’s about recognising that the goalposts have moved. What worked before may no longer be sustainable, and without visibility of market pricing or access to economies of scale, it’s hard for in-house operations to stay on top financially.

There is Another Way

At Procure, we’ve worked alongside schools for years. We understand your priorities; good food, happy children, stretched budgets, and overworked staff. We’re not here to criticise what you’re doing; we’re here to help you make it easier.

Our support has helped schools:

We handle the commercial side so your team can focus on what matters most – feeding children well, every day.

This Isn’t About Outsourcing for the Sake of It

This is about giving you options. Giving your catering team a support system. And making sure your school is making the best use of its budget, not just surviving, but doing more with the same, or even less.

If you’re feeling the squeeze, now is the time to review your provision. We’re here to help you do that fairly, transparently, and with full respect for the work your team is already doing.

It all starts with a chat. Contact one of our educational procurement specialists today.

As schools across the UK face mounting financial pressure, the drive toward sustainability has never been more urgent or more difficult. According to recent research published by Education Today, many schools are eager to embrace decarbonisation but are hindered by limited funding, resource shortages, and a lack of specialist support. The ambition is there, but the practical pathway often feels out of reach.

We’ve seen this story play out time and again. Schools want to reduce their environmental footprint, but tight budgets and overworked staff leave little room to take action. That’s exactly why we’ve joined forces with Eden Energy Partners to remove those barriers and help schools save money while making a measurable environmental impact.

The Problem: Schools Want to Decarbonise, But Face Roadblocks

The Education Today article highlights a number of common challenges facing schools on the path to decarbonisation:

It’s a frustrating cycle. Schools know that improving energy efficiency could save money in the long run but without support and guaranteed outcomes, the risk feels too high.

Our Solution: Proven Technology + Procurement Expertise

That’s where the Procure and Eden Energy Partners partnership comes in.

Together, we’re bringing schools a unique opportunity to save up to 31% on gas bills using a revolutionary system called OH4. Installed in just one day with no system downtime, OH4 re-aligns water molecules to create more energy-efficient heating, leading to real savings from day one.

Even better, there’s a full money-back guarantee if your school doesn’t save at least 10%. That means no risk, just results.

More Than Savings: A Teaching Opportunity

Beyond the financial and environmental benefits, OH4 also offers something unique for students, it can serve as a real-life science case study, showing them how physics, chemistry and sustainability intersect. Installing OH4 gives schools a practical demonstration of energy efficiency in action, aligning with the curriculum and reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility.

It’s a powerful way to show students, parents and staff that your school is committed to a greener future, not just in words, but in action.

What Makes This Different?

A Natural Extension of What We Do

We’re known for cutting catering, cleaning and facilities costs without ever compromising on quality. Now, we’re applying that same level of commercial acumen and care to help schools tackle energy costs and environmental goals.

We understand the pressures school leaders face because procurement in education is all we do. Whether it’s saving you 25% on catering costs or helping you cut carbon emissions by a third, we’re focused on one thing: delivering the best value possible for your school and your students.

Want to Join the Movement?

If your school is looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and take a meaningful step toward decarbonisation, with no upfront risk, then let’s talk.

This partnership isn’t about ticking a green box. It’s about making real, measurable change that supports budgets, curriculum, and environmental values all at once.

Reach out today to find out more about the OH4 energy-saving system and how Procure can support your journey toward a more sustainable future.

What to Look For & What to Avoid

With school budgets tighter than ever, many leaders are turning to procurement consultants for support. Whether it’s for catering, cleaning, utilities or facilities management, a strong consultant can help you unlock cost savings, boost service quality, and reduce the administrative burden on your staff.

But not all procurement consultants are created equal.
In a sector where every pound saved can directly impact pupil experience, making the wrong choice doesn’t just affect the bottom line, it affects the children. Here’s what to consider when choosing a procurement consultant for your school,
and how to ensure you’re getting true value from the partnership.

How Do We Stem The Bleed of a Multi Million Pound Loss-making Trend in our Schools?

Featured in: The Educator

Synopsis: In this article for The Educator, Procure explores the growing financial crisis in school meals, as councils step back from in-house catering, providers exit the market and schools are left subsidising an unsustainable system. Using sector data and real-world examples, it highlights how chronic under-funding of free school meals is placing increasing pressure on school budgets.

It builds on insights from Seb Godwin’s work at Procure Education, helping schools strengthen procurement decisions, reduce waste, and secure better long-term value.

When Schools Go Into Huge Debt Just So Our Children Can Receive a Hot Meal, Something Is Deeply Wrong

Featured in: The Educator

Synopsis: The Educator recently explored the growing crisis in school meal provision, revealing how rising food, energy and staffing costs are forcing schools into debt just to provide children with a hot meal. With funding no longer covering the true cost of catering, schools are increasingly subsidising meals from already stretched budgets.

It follows our co-founder Seb Godwin’s insights on how Procure Education is helping schools take control of procurement, cut unnecessary costs, and get better value from contracts.

Cooking the Books: Why do We Expect Caterers to Manage Our School’ Supply Chain Finances?

Featured in: The Educator

Synopsis: The Educator Magazine recently featured our co-founder Seb Godwin, discussing why he set up Procure and how we’re fixing the flaws in school procurement. With rising costs and tighter budgets, too many schools end up paying more for less. 

It follows our Cooking the Books piece, where we asked the question: why are schools expecting catering teams to manage supply chain finances? We shared practical tips on how schools can take control and streamline procurement to get better value.

Holiday Hunger – Time for Action on School Holiday Provision

Featured in: The Educator

Synopsis: As the summer holidays approach, the conversations in Westminster, school staffrooms and council chambers once again turn to the pressing issue of holiday hunger. While there’s clearly widespread recognition of the problem, real progress remains painfully slow.

Seb Godwin, co-founder of Procure Education, argues that unless encouraging developments to ensure children don’t slip through the net during term time are matched by a commitment to end holiday hunger, the repercussions will be felt in the classroom come September. 

Feeding the Forgotten Children – Why the Free School Meals Announcement Is a Good Start

Featured in: The Educator

Synopsis: The announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that all children in families who get Universal Credit in England will receive free school meals is a monumental step forward – and it deserves recognition as a policy response that begins to match the scale of the issue. For those of us in education and procurement who’ve witnessed the effects of food insecurity firsthand, it’s a relief.

But there’s still a long way to go, says Seb Godwin of Procure Education, and more needs to be done to improve awareness, build upon improving the infrastructure, and remove the stigma associated with free school meals.

The UK’s school meal system is in crisis.

Budget cuts continue to bite. Costs are rising across the board, from food production and transportation to energy and labour. And while the headlines focus on macroeconomics, the real impact is being felt by children at lunchtime.

For too many pupils, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, the school meal is the only chance in their day to access a nutritious, balanced plate. But under growing financial pressure, many schools are being forced to compromise. Cheaper, highly processed foods are becoming more common in canteens, and the long-term consequences of that are devastating: poorer health outcomes, reduced concentration, behavioural challenges, and a widening inequality gap.

The Misconception of In-House Catering

In response, some schools are looking to bring catering back in-house, often under the belief that it will give them more control and reduce costs. But the reality is more complex.

Running school catering operations is not just about sourcing ingredients. It’s about maintaining consistent food safety standards, meeting complex compliance requirements, managing supplier relationships, navigating allergen legislation, and ensuring nutritional needs are met. That’s before factoring in the workload of busy teachers and business managers who are already stretched thin.

Adding more to their plates isn’t the answer. It’s a distraction from their primary mission: educating and caring for children.

Trusting the Wrong Experts

Many schools turn to procurement consultants to relieve the burden—but the market is dominated by businesses that are caterers first, consultants second. While they may understand food, they often lack the commercial skill set needed to deliver the best financial outcomes. The result? Schools sign up to deals that cost more, deliver less, and lock them into inflexible contracts that don’t serve their needs or their students.

That’s where Procure is different.

Why Procure Was Created

Procure was launched with one clear purpose: to put commercial procurement specialists with educational expertise at the heart of the school meals process.

We’re not caterers who added consultancy as a sideline. We’re commercially focused, professionally trained procurement experts who specialise in the education sector and know the school catering landscape inside out. This unique blend of commercial acumen and sector-specific knowledge is what makes Procure different—and why schools trust us to get it right.

We’re here to help schools:

More Than Meals: A Smarter Approach to School Procurement

Our support doesn’t stop at catering.

Procure offers expert procurement services across cleaning, facilities management, and utilities too. In every case, we apply the same commercial rigor and sector-specific insight to maximise value, minimise waste, and reduce risk.

Our energy offering is especially powerful. Through strategic partnerships with brokers and energy efficiency specialists, we not only help schools pay less for their energy, we help them use less energy altogether. That’s a double win: long-term cost reduction and measurable environmental impact. And with flexible payment plans, schools can access upgrades and savings without the need for large upfront investment.

Protecting the Future, Today

We understand how hard schools are working. Teachers, heads, and business managers are going above and beyond, but often with one hand tied behind their back. At Procure, we exist to lighten the load. To cut costs without cutting corners. To protect school standards and support the people working tirelessly to keep things moving.

The economy is under pressure. But the future – our children, should be protected at all costs. It starts with where they spend their days. It starts with the food they eat. It starts with the school environment. And it starts with putting the right procurement strategy in place.

Contact us to find out how we can help to deliver better value without compromising on quality.

We don’t just save schools money. We help create better mealtimes—and better learning opportunities—for the children at the heart of your community.

It’s easy to focus on the numbers when school budgets are under pressure. And yes, cutting catering costs without cutting quality is what we do best. But what sets us apart is the way we bring children into the conversation.

Because food isn’t just fuel—it’s a chance to educate, include, and empower.

Why Pupil Engagement Matters in Catering

When children are part of the process, everything changes.

That’s why we go beyond procurement. We embed pupil voice and nutrition education into every stage of our catering support.

Menu Planning with Children – Not Just for Them

Our menu planning process actively involves pupils. Working alongside school staff, we create food forums and feedback sessions that:

Children learn that their voice matters—and schools see fewer full bins at the end of lunchtime.

Nutrition, Allergies & Education: Building Awareness Early

Healthy food habits start young. But in the school environment, nutrition isn’t just about a balanced plate—it’s about safety too.

We help schools build education into the catering process by:

By making food education part of the everyday experience, we support wellbeing and build a culture of inclusion and awareness.

Commercial Expertise + Educational Value = Real Impact

Our focus is firmly on value. We’re commercially driven and procurement-focused because we know that schools need every penny to stretch further.

But what makes Procure different is the way we balance cost savings with care:

We’re not just about cheaper food—we’re about better food, smarter procurement, and informed young people.

Give Children the Mealtimes They Deserve

We believe every child should feel included, excited, and safe at lunchtime. Through smart procurement, expert catering support, and pupil-focused engagement, we help schools build better mealtimes that nurture more than just the stomach.

With Procure, you don’t just get a procurement partner—you get a wellbeing advocate and educational ally.

Because when food is better, so is learning. 

On 31st March 2025, the government’s “Simpler Recycling: Workplace Recycling in England” law came into force, ushering in a new era of accountability for organisations, including schools.

All workplaces, including schools, are legally required to separate recyclable waste, including food waste, just as households do. For schools already stretched thin on budgets and resources, this can feel like just another box to tick. But with the right procurement partner, it’s an opportunity to cut costs, reduce waste, and feed children better.

What Does the New Legislation Mean for Schools?

The new rules require the separation of six recyclable waste streams:

For school kitchens, the biggest shift is the requirement to separate food waste—something many have struggled with behind the scenes. Under these rules, simply binning leftover food isn’t just inefficient anymore—it’s non-compliant.

Food Waste: The Hidden Cost of Poor Procurement

At Procure, we’ve seen first-hand how poor menu planning, unpredictable portions, and low uptake lead to bins full of uneaten food. Food waste doesn’t just hurt the environment—it burns through your budget.

In fact, food waste in school kitchens is often the direct result of poor procurement:

From Compliance Burden to Cost-Saving Opportunity

With the right procurement strategy, complying with the new recycling rules doesn’t just keep you on the right side of the law—it can also lead to meaningful savings and improvements in student wellbeing.

At Procure, we work exclusively with schools and multi-academy trusts to deliver food solutions that are:

How We Help Schools Reduce Waste and Stay Compliant

Our fully managed catering procurement service includes:

The result? Schools we partner with typically see:

A 96% contract renewal rate, 25% average cost savings and 20% average time savings

Feed Better, Waste Less

Food waste in schools is a symptom of a wider issue—outdated, inefficient procurement systems. The “Simpler Recycling” law is your chance to change that for good. With Procure by your side, you can feed your students better food, waste less, and stay fully compliant without putting more pressure on your staff.

Let’s turn a new recycling law into a new standard for food in schools.

Because children deserve better—and your budget does too.

Let’s start the conversation.