As trusts translate ICFP insight into action, catering is increasingly being reviewed at trust level rather than school by school. Fragmented delivery models can lead to cost variation, inconsistent provision, and limited financial visibility, making forecasting more difficult.

A more standardised approach can help align cost assumptions, reduce variability in staffing and energy usage, and support consistent compliance across schools. This allows catering to be treated as a more predictable non pay cost within ICFP planning.

Trusts can still retain appropriate local flexibility, while improving financial consistency. For many MATs planning 2026/27 budgets, catering is becoming an area of closer review within wider financial sustainability discussions.