BRISTOL'S Primary Review – all over bar the shouting? I don't think so.

The cabinet decision last night to go ahead with the closures of three small primaries is a milestone in the process, which began more than a year ago.

But the programme for the city's 110 primary sector schools has already seen a number of changes and there are likely to be further modifications as the works progress.

As the report to cabinet said: "The Primary School Review is not about closing St George C of E, Stockwood Green and St Pius Catholic schools. It is about improving primary education across the city."

The question is whether the scheme approved by cabinet last month, and the closures voted on last night, are the best way to achieve that goal.

The broad principles behind the review were outlined in a report last October. The Evening Post highlighted its proposals to remove " small units of provision" and to move towards more federation and amalgamation of schools.

Nevertheless, the detailed recommendations, when they were launched in May, took most of the affected schools by surprise.

They were announced just before a school holiday, and now the axe has fallen for the three schools during another mid term break.

In between, we have seen nearly six months of vociferous campaigning. But while a number of proposals have been altered or dropped, others still feel that their valid arguments against the proposals have been ignored.

The Conservatives' decision to call in the closures decision will explore further the rights and wrongs of the consultation process.

Meanwhile, though, bridges have to be built between council officers and schools, many of whom feel the review has been far too "top down".

Remember, it's not just the schools facing closure or what they perceive to be detrimental changes who are complaining. Governors and parents at several of the schools in line for major investment – for example at Sefton Park and in Knowle West – are not happy either.

(Although it's only fair to point out that some others, such as Horfield, May Park and Millpond, are enthusiastic about their proposed developments).

The cabinet member for schools Peter Hammond may need to launch a charm offensive too, with his remarks about Ofsted-rated satisfactory schools being one grade away from inadequate winning him few friends.

St George's head teacher Clare Gundry has already called on him to apologise to the scores of Bristol schools that fall into this category.

International, national and local events will also have an effect as the review progresses. Some of the initial recommendations were based on selling land to bring in money to fund further school building - a rather less lucrative proposition now.

Demographic changes can also make an impact. The reason cited for dropping plans to merge Avon Primary in Shirehampton and Avonmouth C of E Primary is an increased demand for reception places in the area, while the ever increasing inner city population could present a need for more temporary classrooms at some schools.

And then, of course, there is a local election next spring ...