Expression of Interest (EOI): Early Years Canteen Services

The Learning Ladder – Kaleya Campus, Lusaka

Date Published: Monday, 2nd February 2026

Submission Deadline: Friday, 13th February 2026 at 14:00 hours

Internal Tender Opening: Monday, 16th February 2026 at 09:00 hours

1. Introduction

The Learning Ladder invites Expressions of Interest from experienced service providers to operate the Early Years Canteen at our Kaleya Campus. We are an inclusive, international school catering to a diverse student body of both neurotypical learners and students with individualized support requirements.

We are seeking a dedicated partner to provide nutritious, child-friendly catering for our learners aged 6 months to 6 years. This is a school-funded service; the provider will be paid directly by the school on a monthly basis.

2. Inclusive Catering & Sensory Support

As an inclusive environment, we require a provider who understands that "one size does not fit all." The service provider must demonstrate high competence in:

Developmental Nutrition: Providing breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and PM snack suitable for infants (weaning-safe) through to early primary ages.

Modified Textures (Therapeutic Feeding): For children with physical or sensory challenges, the provider must be able to prepare meals in various stages—smooth puree, thick puree, or soft-mashed—as specified by individual student health profiles.

Low-Sensory Meal Options: Ability to provide "deconstructed" meals (keeping ingredients separate on the plate) for children with sensory processing sensitivities.

High-Alert Allergy Protocols: A strictly monitored "Zero-Contamination" workflow for students with life-threatening allergies, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free requirements.

Inclusive Service Delivery: Canteen staff must demonstrate a high level of patience and empathy, recognizing that students with diverse learning needs may express hunger or discomfort in non-traditional ways.

3. Operational & Financial Information

Facility: Covered kitchen/service space provided on an “as is where is” basis. Preview visits are available by appointment between 10:00 and 14:00.

Payment Terms: This is a contractual service paid for by the school. The firm will submit monthly invoices based on an agreed-upon per-student rate.

Operating Hours: 07:00 to 16:00 on school days.

Digital Management: The firm must utilize a digital system to track daily student headcounts and verify specialized dietary requirements to ensure safety and accountability.

Safeguarding: All staff must undergo mandatory safeguarding training provided by the school and strictly adhere to the School’s Code of Conduct.

4. Mandatory Requirements

Experience: Minimum of 02 (two) years running a fixed-site eatery or institutional catering service (experience in school or hospital environments is an advantage).

Legal Compliance: Valid PACRA registration, ZRA Tax Clearance, Council Business License, and Health License.

Food Safety: Valid Food License in the firm’s name and a Halal-friendly certificate/declaration.

Contract: Initially for two years, extendable by one year based on performance and adherence to nutritional standards.

5. Submission Guidelines

Submissions must be divided into two separate PDF attachments:

Attachment 1: [Company Name] _ Technical Bid (Company profile, proposed menus including infant/puree options, safety protocols, and staff qualifications).

Attachment 2: [Company Name] _ Financial Bid (Proposed monthly service fees and per-child meal costs).

Note: No pricing information should be visible in the Technical Bid. Failure to separate these documents may lead to disqualification.

Email to: adyani.windahandini@learningladder.sch.zm

Address to: The Head of School

Subject Line: EOI Submission: Early Years Canteen – [Insert Firm Name]

Deadline: All electronic offers must be received by Friday, 13th February 2026 at 14:00 hours.