When the tools aren't up to the job.

The author comments on a Consultation Toolkit, produced for Labour activists by the party and concerning the schools white paper, published by Ruth Kelly, on which the upcoming Education Bill will be based. It is a briefing paper with tips on how to organise a consultation meeting. The toolkit also contains a summary of the white paper and possible answers to questions that might be raised. The toolkit does not address faith schools or places where the number of children is falling.