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Wednesday, 17th March 2010

Missing girl hasn't been to school in seven months

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Published Date: 01 March 2008
A teenage girl who went missing from Northampton town centre two weeks ago has not been to school for seven months, it has been revealed.
Melissa Mac, 15, is a year 11 pupil at Northampton Academy in Wellingborough Road but the school said the pupil, who is expected to sit her GCSEs this year, has not been to lessons since last July.

Melissa, who is of Chinese/Vietnamese origin and is 5ft 4ins, was last seen on Saturday, February 16, and police are concerned for her welfare because of her age.

Northamptonshire Police have appealed for the girl, who has not been in contact with her family since going missing, to let them know she is safe and well.

A spokesman for Northampton Academy said: "We have a schools liaison officer who has been involved with this the whole time.

"It's a very unusual situation and the school is concerned but the appropriate social workers are involved, and it's out of the school's hands.

"I haven't spoken to any of her friends but people are aware that she hasn't been in school since the last academic year.

"It's difficult because we're all concerned for her but there is only so much you can do and these are obviously unique circumstances."

Anyone with any information can contact Northamptonshire police on 08453 700 700.


Do you know Melissa and are concerned about her whereabouts? Contact the Chron newsdesk by ringing 01604 467030 or click here to send an email

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  • Last Updated: 02 March 2008 7:28 PM
  • Source: Northampton Chron & Echo
  • Location: Northampton
 
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curlyclem,

Northampton 01/03/2008 13:53:44
I cannot believe she has gone missing. When she left her old school, Northampton High School, I took her place. She visited not long ago and she seemed very happy. You never think it will happen to someone you know.
2

Maddison,

Northampton 03/03/2008 14:08:54
In October 2007 Melissa wrote to headmaster Reverend Hullah requesting his support to transfer to another school. She hand delivered her letters. No reply was received from Reverend Hullah.

Melissa had been hurt & embarrassed by the content of a letter circulated to staff within the school & to outside agencies. The letter contained untruthful unverified opinions of the Education Welfare Officer regarding Melissa.

Melissa herself made applications to four schools & one college within the county for a placement.

Northamptonshire Education Department refused to support Melissa’s transfer or discuss with her options. The Fair Access Team department stated Melissa had a place at the Academy & that was the end of the matter.

Between September 2007 & January 2008 her Wellingborough based social worker actually only saw Melissa once although being aware of Melissa’s academic wishes & needs.

Melissa is bright & articulate. She worked tirelessly to engage professionals to assist her. Her requests fell on ‘deaf ears’. When a Northamptonshire M.P. failed to respond to her contact she successfully engaged with Birmingham M.P. John Hemming.

Due to Northamptonshire County Council’s attitude towards her & her perceived cultural background she was left with no choice but to instruct a solicitor in September 2007 to act on her behalf. This appears to have irritated all concerned.

Melissa visited her old school, Northampton High School to ask for help. They felt unable to assist at that time.

It appears Northamptonshire County Council has learnt nothing from the Victoria Climbe affair.

Disgraceful.
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