Resources: Project notes - Steps Under-16s programme

Goals: To give young people the confidence and social skills to reintegrate into education, employment and training

Funding: The project costs between 10,000 and 12,000 per young person per year. Funding comes from sources including the European Social Fund, Connexions and schools, charitable grants and donations

The Steps Under-16s programme is a "last resort for young people who are beyond the help of pupil referral units", according to Lynsay Scott, deputy chief executive of the Surrey Care Trust, which has been running the programme for five years.

The project uses a youth work approach to deliver an alternative curriculum to young people who have been permanently excluded from school, to help get them back into education. The project works with up to 10 young people aged 14 to 16 who attend the programme four days a week for up to two years.