They are the kids behind the statistics trotted out and argued over by politicians. Youngsters who are outside the system. Out of school, work or training and, in some cases, control - perhaps making a nuisance of themselves and at risk of drifting into crime.

But they are also often frustrated, struggling to communicate, and just simply haven't had the attention and patience they've needed.

That's the take of Angie Dowling, manager of Open Cast in Doncaster, which works with children and young adults, aged between 13 and 25, who have not found their feet in the mainstream. In many cases, the project succeeds with children no-one else can manage.

OC's welcoming and brightly-decorated centre in Chequer Road offers a haven for kids who peristently skip school, have already been kicked out or are homeless or in care. Many have special needs, diagnosed with conditions on the autistic spectrum or Attention Deficit and

Hyperactivity Disorder. Some have supportive families, others come from broken, troubled homes.

Last term there were 39 young people enrolled on courses and more than 30 others attending the service's evening sessions. Numbers have significantly increased since the project began five years ago, initially as a drama group.

The aim is to help them all get back on track through a range of academic (up to GCSE level) and vocational courses as well as engage them in fun and challenging activities day to day and, occasionally, on a residential basis.

The innovative centre's prospectus is packed with classes from bicycle mechanics to textiles and media studies as well as maths, English and IT and work-based learning opportunities. There is a popular outdoor centre at Hyde Park and a former car parts warehouse near to OC's offices has been converted to house a gym, cafe, creche, beauty therapy rooms and DJ booth.

Explains former teacher Angie: "What we do really is run a small school with an emphasis on small classes and on delivering education in a fun and exciting way. Although it's certainly not a soft option, supporting and really listening to youngsters is what we're about.

"Attendance is the key thing - it's not unusual for kids to be referred to us who have not been near a classroom for two years. We have to look at what's been keeping away from school and find ways of ensuring they come in."

To help youngsters share their feelings and problems, there is an in-house counselling service and the centre has a young people's advisory group so that their views are taken into account when the courses and activities are planned.

Angie's husband Bob, also a former teacher, is development worker at OC while there are several paid workers as well as volunteers. At the moment, funding comes mainly from the New Deal for Communities scheme.

Seventeen-year-old Stacey Kaye, of Hyde Park, had a poor attendance record at Hall Cross School when she first joined in activities at OC two years ago. Since then she has undertaken courses including administration and healthy eating and she now has a paid job preparing food one day a week in the project's café.

She says: "I didn't like school at all but here people are really friendly and the lessons are interesting. I hadn't a clue how to cook but now I can make dishes like lasagne, chilli and chicken tikka – meals I never thought I'd be able to do when I started. I'd love to get a full-time job in a restaurant in the future."

Another of OC's success stories is Daniel Paterson, 20, who lives in nearby Doncaster Foyer - the Salvation Army Housing Association's accommodation for young homeless people.

HE works part-time for the project as a trainee community worker after completing numerous qualifications. Although he completed his schooling, he did nothing after leaving and, in his words, was "getting into mischief". Yet now he is a fitness enthusiast helping others to get active.
"This place has completely changed my life. If you look at where I started and where I am now, there is no comparison. I've had help whenever I've needed it and I'm really proud of what I've achieved," Daniel comments.

For further information about OC or to volunteer to help, call 01302 341972 or visit the website at www.opencast.org.uk

* A 'graffiti art' event is being held today from 11am to 4pm at the Open Cast Outdoor Centre at the Carr House Allotments in Hyde Park. Entry is free and there will be a BBQ, drumming, arts and crafts, DJ sets and more.