Get to Know Arts In Action...
and our story ...... ( so far !)

Arts in Action was founded by  Heidi Pendergrast, in 022, after 20 years in mainstream education for 11- to 18-year-olds. Heidi's last state teaching post was being part of a team (with an amazing head teacher who championed the arts) that established a brand new school, developing a thriving and high-achieving department, in a deprived area from scratch. The result was a space where boys achieved, disadvantaged students scored higher than their peers, and SEND students thrived, consistently attaining top grades far above national scores and their targets. Several past students, who went on to Arts Schools,  now work for Arts In Action as artists and facilitators.

Heidi specialises in responsive teaching learning and creating a safe space where every child is valued and has extensive knowledge and techniques for children and young people with SEND, Neuro-diversity, SPLD  Disability and children who have  adverse school experience, refugee and war torn histories, looked after children  and  those that  have experienced trauma. 

She saw too many amazing children falling through the gaps in the current educational system, including her own, and set up Arts in Action to   work as a community artist and set up a arts educational programme for those out side of 'traditional'  school settings, where everyone could have the same opportunities.

Within the first month of leaving school Arts In Action was awarded several educational and community commissions and  tenders. 

Arts In Action now has CIC status as a not for profit and   community Interest Company and has strands for education  and community programmes and commissions. Many projects  aim to reach people on the fringes of society who may not often get the opportunity to explore the arts or have their voices heard.

Arts in Action recently has had or holds tenders/ commissions with:

•  Warwickshire Library Service NPO (Arts Council Funded),

• Friction Arts (Children in Need  and Youth Improvement Fund funded )

• Arts Connect

• Warwickshire Arts and Heritage &  Public Health funding

• Heidi as an artist was awarded  DYCP , ACE (Arts Council England) funding to develop a new portfolio of work in ceramics which all Sold at The Herbert in 2024.

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All work is funded but through  hard work and self generated incomes and winning tenders.  Arts In Action CIC is currently  seeking  additional grant funders in order to expand crucial sessions to those on the waiting lists. If you would like to help, please contact us! 

Arts In Action works with people from all parts of society, often connecting with those on the fringes. We engage with individuals of all faiths and backgrounds, languages and ethnicities, from ages 2 to 92.

If it is the educational side you are interested in, we work with ages 2- 25 for art education. Including GCSE and A-levels in Fine  Art, Textiles, Graphic Design and Photography. We have  face to face and Work from Home options, - with a linked exam centre.

Our results are higher than most private schools. However many of the children were told they would not achieve higher that grade 2's in school.

2024 results : 100% grade 9 in Photography , 100% grade 8-9  in Fine art.

2025 expected results : 100% Grade 9 in Graphics and Textiles . 100% grade 6-9  in Photography  and Fine art, with 80% grade 9's.

We have begun  to have several relationships with PRU and AP's. Please contact us if you are seeking provision options. 

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We also provide advice  and curriculum for departments that need to  improve uptake or are looking to increase attainment in boys, PP  and SEND.