Meet our Team
Melody Knight
Play Manger
Melody has been working with children for many years. She began as a childminder back in the 1990’s and has also been a toy librarian, worked in a school, managed a play provision for Gypsy and Traveller children, worked for Surestart and since 2006 has been the Play Manager of Highfield After School Club. She is well qualified in the field of Play having undertaken both levels 2 and 3 in Playwork and many practical play sessions. She has recently completed a level 2 in Understanding Challenging Behaviour. Melody also holds a City and Guilds adult education Certificate and has previously been on various committees holding the post of secretary and then Chairperson.
Ralph Gordon
Deputy Manager
Ralph moved to Southampton from Halesowen in the West Midlands in 2004 and decided that, after previously volunteering at his sons cub group, working with children was something he felt he would like to do professionally. He has since completed Levels 2 and 3 in Playwork as well as numerous practical play sessions and has been the deputy at Highfield After School Club since 2008. He also had roles within the school and both a breakfast club employee and as a lunchtime supervisor so is very recognisable to the children.
Jason Knight
Contracted Play worker
Jason has been with us for a while now. He started as a volunteer and now has a regular contract so is with us every afternoon. He is a valued member of staff who is well liked by the children. He is very happy to participate in all aspects of the club and has recently been working on the ‘club’s new website.
Michelle Hill
Contracted Playworker
Michelle joined us in 2018. She used to work for Southampton Children’s Play Association and previous to that, at a stables helping children to learn the benefits of being near and riding horses. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she has become an integral part of the team.
Santosh Taak
Contracted Playworker
Santosh is a very likeable lady who gets on well with the children and the rest of the team. She is also a dinner lady at Highfield C of E primary so is well known to the children who attend. She is a hard worker and enjoys undertaking cultural cooking activities with the children on occasion.
Ellie Beecham
Contracted Playworker
Ellie joined us in 2020. She is very happy being in the company of the children at the club and the children enjoy her company too. She particulary enjoys being inside doing all sorts of different activities. At present Hama beads, loom bands and pom poms are the favorites. Ellie is also a dance teacher helping teach the children at Highfield C of E Primary on a Tuesday afternoon.
Simon Scott
Sessional Playworker
Simon joined our group following a summer working with Southampton Children’s Play Association. He is normally found outside playing alongside the infant children, being chased and put in ‘jail’ or playing chess with the older ones.
Isabel Walker
Sessional Playworker
Isabel has been with us for a couple of years now and thoroughly enjoys working with the children, and liaising with parents and other staff members. She is presently undertaking a degree at University and will be leaving us for a while to go on a placement. We will all be looking forward to her return.
Zofia Wrobel
Sessional Playworker
Zofia used to attend the club as a child and enjoyed it so much that she came back to work with us! She is a lovely girl and is building great relationships with the children.
Fabiana Ramos-Santarelli
Sessional Playworker
Fabiana works with us on a regular Tuesday. She is very happy to help the children undertake any task and has someone who can crochet, this is very helpful.