Welcome to CLEAPSS
What is CLEAPSS?
CLEAPSS is a consortium of local authorities founded in 1963 by the Greater London Council to promote high quality, safe and effective, practical activities in schools. CLEAPSS has been doing this continuously for over 60 years. At present the consortium includes 169 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Approximately 95% of primary and secondary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are members, as are the majority of independent schools and a significant number of colleges. CLEAPSS also has approximately 600 overseas members across 69 countries.
CLEAPSS is funded by:
- Subscriptions from its members (which generates the bulk of the income) and income generated from running training.
- CLEAPSS operates on a not-for-profit basis ensuring that the all of its income is focused on providing support for its members.
How does membership work?
Employers subscribe on behalf of their schools. Independent schools, colleges, and overseas schools can subscribe directly. Academy Trusts can also subscribe directly although many still choose to do so via a local authority.
CLEAPSS is independent of all commercial or non-commercial organisations and, as such, its advice and guidance is completely impartial.
How much does membership cost?
CLEAPSS membership costs between 17 and 34 pence per pupil depending on the number and age of the pupils.
A typical secondary school pays less than £500 a year with an equivalent primary paying around £150.
What support does CLEAPSS provide?
For teachers and technicians?
CLEAPSS resources give teachers ideas for exciting and engaging practical activities that fire pupils' imaginations and then, unlike many other sources of support, go on to show teachers and technicians in detail how to translate these ideas into safe and exciting classroom experiences.
For employers?
CLEAPSS membership supports employers to discharge their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and subsequent Regulations.
These require employers to protect their employees by, for example, providing safe working conditions, information, training for health and safety, and (model) risk assessments for activities (required under a range of regulations, including COSHH).
CLEAPSS advice and guidance on safe practical activities is recognised as best practice by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Department for Education (DFE).
Membership benefits include
Helpline
CLEAPSS telephone and e-mail Helpline - Access throughout the year (not just term time) to a team of dedicated subject experts for detailed up-to-the-minute advice and support.
Newsletters
Termly newsletters for all Primary & secondary schools which provide ideas and guidance on practical activities in science, D&T and art & design including updates on current health and safety issues.
Training
Access to an extensive range of one-day practical science D&T and art & design and health and safety training courses delivered by CLEAPSS trainers at a discounted rate.
Websites
CLEAPSS websites allow all staff in member schools access the advice they need when they need it. Highlights include:
- Hazcards (COSSH assessments) and Recipe Sheets to support activities in science
- Model Risk Assessments (MRATs) for Design & Technology and art and design
- Independent advice on specialist equipment and accommodation for science, D&T and art and design.
Radiation protection advice
A school with CLEAPSS membership that has radioactive sources w can also subscribe to the CLEAPSS Radiation Protection Advice service (RPA).
This is arranged through a participating local authority or other brokering organisation and is a very cost-effective way for employers to meet their responsibilities under the Ionising Radiation Regulations (2017).
Quick links
Further information can be found by following the links below: