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Planning a School Kitchen Refurbishment

Blog
PKL
10 Jul 2026

Planning a School Kitchen Refurbishment? Here’s What You Need to Know

Refurbishing a school kitchen is an opportunity to create a more efficient, modern catering environment that better supports pupils, staff and the wider school community. Whether driven by ageing facilities, increase in pupil numbers or evolving catering demands, careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth and successful project.

While much of the focus is naturally placed on the refurbishment itself, one critical consideration is often overlooked: how catering will continue while the kitchen is out of action. Without a clear plan, this can lead to disruption, delays and added pressure on staff.

By factoring in temporary catering provision from the outset, schools can maintain meal service, protect project timelines and avoid unnecessary complications.

Engage suppliers early

Bringing specialist suppliers into the project at an early stage is one of the most effective ways to ensure success. While architects, consultants and contractors are typically engaged first, temporary kitchen providers should also be part of early planning discussions.

Early engagement allows suppliers to understand the project, assess the site and recommend the most suitable solution before work begins. It also ensures temporary facilities are considered as part of the wider project, reducing the risk of costly changes or delays further down the line.

A coordinated approach between all stakeholders helps align the refurbishment works with catering continuity, keeping both on track.

Prioritise business continuity

For most schools, shutting down catering operations during a kitchen refurbishment simply isn’t viable. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of meals still need to be prepared daily.

Temporary kitchens provide a practical way to maintain service throughout the project. Depending on requirements, these can include fully equipped production kitchens, preparation areas, wash-up zones and even dining space.

Planning for temporary kitchen facilities early also gives greater flexibility when scheduling works, particularly when timelines are constrained by term dates or holidays.

Simplify procurement with frameworks

Alongside planning delivery, schools must also consider how they will procure temporary facilities.

Frameworks such as our Modular Buildings and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Framework (1230) offer a compliant, efficient route to market. Established under the Procurement Act 2023, the framework provides access to pre-approved suppliers that meet high standards of health and safety, technical capability and professional competence.

Schools can either award contracts without competition or run a competitive selection process, depending on their needs, while remaining fully compliant. Using a framework reduces procurement time, minimises risk and ensures access to experienced, trusted suppliers.

Work with experienced specialists

PKL, one of the modular kitchen suppliers available through the Modular Buildings and Modern Methods of Construction framework, specialises in the design, supply and installation of temporary and modular catering facilities.

With over 37 years of experience, PKL supports schools, contractors and project teams by delivering temporary kitchen solutions that keep catering services operational throughout refurbishment works. Solutions range from fully equipped temporary kitchens to permanent modular kitchen and dining facilities, all tailored to each school’s needs.

PKL offers a complete turnkey service, managing everything from consultation and site surveys through to design, installation, commissioning and removal once the permanent kitchen is ready. Early involvement ensures temporary facilities integrate seamlessly into the wider refurbishment project, reducing disruption and risk.

Plan ahead for better outcomes

A successful refurbishment isn’t just about the finished kitchen, it’s about maintaining a safe, reliable catering service throughout the process.

By engaging specialist suppliers early, planning for temporary facilities from the outset and using compliant procurement routes such as the YPO framework, schools can minimise disruption, stay on schedule and ensure uninterrupted meal service.

With the right planning and partners in place, refurbishment projects can be delivered efficiently without compromising the day-to-day service that pupils rely on.

Got a kitchen refurbishment project coming up? Get in touch with our dedicated education procurement team and benefit from the specialist school and education procurement advice.

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PKL

International Market Leader of Temporary Kitchens and Catering Equipment for Rental