To note the progress made by the Schools Task Group (STG) and the proposals for the consultation process for the STG paper. 

THAT Cabinet:

                     (a)          approve the process and timescale for consultation on Schools Task Group paper (Appendix 1);

(b)                   note the process followed and progress made by the Schools Task Group in preparing the paper for consultation; and

(c)                    a further report be presented to Cabinet in November.

It is appropriate that Cabinet are fully aware of both the progress made by the STG to date and the next steps in consultation. 

There are no alternative options as the STG papers will affect both the schools and local communities it is wholly appropriate that a full and formal consultation now takes place.