Cleaning Services - Shipston High School
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't overlook the importance of thorough management
Shipston High School isn't just looking for a cleaning service.
They're looking for exceptional management.
A fully managed service is what they're after, covering routine cleaning, deep cleans and everything in between.
It's about having the right supervision, the right team and the right processes in place to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The contract covers a single secondary school with a floor area of 4,315 m², plus a 1,175 m² sports hall that will be added under an expansion project.
Every bidder will talk about cleaning.
But the school wants to know how you manage it all.
Think about the floors
This might surprise some bidders, but the specific floor types are critical here.
Timber and sprung timber floors make up over 14% of the in-scope area.
That includes a sports floor and a food-consumption area.
Why does it matter?
These floors require specialist care.
You need to show you understand how to maintain and clean these surfaces without damaging them.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- Testimonials from similar educational settings
- Case studies showing how you've handled TUPE transfers
- Examples of managing high-level cleaning in schools
- Demonstrations of maintaining specialised flooring
That's what I'd focus on.
Pay attention to what they say
The School is clear in its expectations.
They need a "properly resourced service that is correctly priced."
And they give weight to quality, the staffing model, supervision and mobilisation alongside price.
What does that tell you?
Price isn't everything.
Quality, staffing and organisation matter just as much.
They're looking for a service that doesn't just tick boxes but delivers real value.
Remember the people
Yes, you're dealing with buildings and floors.
But really, it's about the students, teachers and staff.
It's about creating a clean, safe environment where learning can thrive.
Think about how your service impacts their daily lives.
How can you make their experience better?
Mobilisation is key
Getting off to a good start is crucial.
Especially with a contract this size.
If I were writing this tender, I'd emphasise how I'd handle the transition.
From TUPE considerations (with eight employees in the mix) to ensuring a seamless start.
It's about showing you have a clear plan in place.
Staffing and supervision
This isn't just about putting people in place.
It's about having the right people.
And making sure they are well-supervised.
The School has highlighted the importance of the staffing model and supervision.
I'd make sure to detail how my team structure supports consistent service delivery.
How my supervisors ensure standards are met every day.
Consider the washroom options
The tender asks for pricing on washroom consumables in two ways.
School-supplied and Contractor-supplied.
This isn't just about numbers on a page.
It's about demonstrating the flexibility and understanding of their needs.
Show how you can deliver value in both scenarios.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Ignore the specific requirements for timber and sprung timber floors
- Fail to address the TUPE transfer and its implications
- Overlook the restricted site access times
- Neglect to provide evidence of past success in similar settings
- Underestimate the importance of supervision and staffing
- Focus solely on price without demonstrating quality and value
- Ignore the critical mobilisation phase of the contract
My Final Thoughts
Shipston High School isn't just buying cleaning services.
They're investing in a partnership that will create a better environment for their students and staff.
The contract, valued at £958,333, runs for three years with the potential to extend.
Quality, staffing, supervision and mobilisation are weighted alongside price.
That means your written submission needs to shine.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.