Team

Ben Stephenson

Co-Founder - Commercial Manager

Ben oversees all aspects of Lets Explore in Horley, Lets Explore Soft Play and Lets Explore Day Nursery.

From Ben's initial Lets Explore concept he has overseen the design and brand development for Lets Explore and Lets Explore Day Nursery, and is excited about the soft play thrills and spills that await young adventurers here at Lets Explore. A self-confessed racing enthusiast with a degree in Motorsport Engineering Ben has been a part of the Lets group of businesses since Lets Race in 2013. 

In 2016 Ben would often be found entertaining his then, new born son in the Lets Explore toddler area!  Since being Lets Explore's first Little Explorer his son has graduated through the years at Lets Explore Day Nursery giving Ben the perfect experience of the business as a customer, parent and owner.   

Stuart Duncan

Co-Founder - General Manager

Stuart has over 15 years' experience in the leisure industry. Before joining Lets Explore, he ran a well-established soft play centre in Kent. Stuart has recently become a new father, and couldn't be more excited about introducing his baby daughter to Lets Explore!

Often found with a dustpan and brush, Stu is our advocate for cleanliness and takes a huge amount of pride in what we do as a team.

Rebecca Homewood

Nursery Manager

NNEB - Level 3/Bachelor of Arts - Level 5 in Early Years Education

Hi! I'm Becky, the Expedition Leader here at Lets Explore.

With over 15 years of experience at nurseries rated "outstanding" by Ofsted, I'm here to put my expertise to work, supporting your little explorers throughout their journey with us here at Lets Explore Day Nursery.

I strive to offer both fantastic energy and a supportive, calm personality that provides our little explorers with a fun environment where they feel safe and secure and they can't wait to say hi to us all in the mornings as they come through the doors!

Melanie Jane Wing

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)

NNEB - Level 3

Having worked in childcare for over 25 years with children aged birth to 15 years, qualified as a social worker, and gained invaluable experience as a mum myself, childcare is my passion.

I love to sing, dance, crawl around, and get totally messy in sensory play. I'm a big believer that making a fool of yourself is fun, and as it's the basis of secure attachments, it's crucial that my little explorers have buckets of laughter, silliness, and oodles of hugs every day. In fact, you can rest assured that I'll do whatever it takes to make sure my little explorers thrive and grow into happy passengers on their learning voyage at Lets Explore.

Rhian Louise Wood

Deputy Manager/Room Leader, Sea Cadets (Babies)

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workplace

Hi, I'm Rhian but all the children call me "Rhi-Rhi". I am Level 3 qualified in childcare and I work within the Sea Cadets room for under 2's.  I progressed from a nursery practitioner to the room leader/deputy manager here at Lets Explore in 2023.

Me and my team create a loving, nurturing and safe environment to help your child flourish and achieve their potential and individual goals.

Crystal Ann Riggs

Nursery Practitioner, Sea Cadets (Babies)

CACHE Level 2 in Childcare and Education

As I work with our youngest children in the Sea Cadets room, I get to see the personalities of the children come out throughout their time with us which is one of my favourite things about working at Lets Explore.

I have worked in childcare for over 8 years and enjoy having fun and making the children laugh through play and learning.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the youngsters playing together with smiles on their faces. I'm a very family-oriented person, so I love meeting new parents and forming close bonds with the children.

Natalie Walker

Nursery Assistant, Sea Cadets (Babies)

Linzi Wood

Nursery Practitioner, Sea Cadets (Babies)

CACHE Level 2 in Childcare and Education

Hi I'm Linzi, I work within the Sea Cadets room for under 2's.  I previously did my college placement at Lets Explore and continued my studies by becoming an apprentice at Lets Explore while working towards my Level 3 in childcare and Education.

My favourite part about working with children is how rewarding it feels when they learn and develop new skills.

Ella Holland

Room Leader, Jungle Adventurers (Toddlers)

Level 3 Early Years Educator

Hi I'm Ella and I'm the room leader of the Jugle Adventurers room, where I work alongside my team to provide a warm, welcoming and positive environmnet for our 2 year olds who attend the nursery.

I love being able to support the children with their development, watching them grow and thrive, as well as providing lots of fun daily activities.

Elisabetta Carbone

Nursery Practitioner/Designated Safeguarding Lead, Jungle Adventurers (Toddlers)

Level 3 Early Years Educator

Hi I'm Elisa, I am a Level 3 trained Nursery Practitioner and Lets Explore Day Nurseries DSL.  I have worked in the nursery for over 3 years and have loved watching the children grow and develop.

I really enjoy planning our weekly activities and seeing the children having fun in the nursery especially during our messy play!

Jaimee-Lou Harris-Barnes

Nursery Assistant, Jungle Adventurers (Toddlers)

Every morning, I greet both children and parents with a positive attitude and a big smile. I aim to make sure all children have the best experience possible whilst attending nursery and I'm not afraid to get stuck in with activities. I ensure all children are able to thrive throughout their sessions. 

Megan Sarah Bekusch

Nursery Apprentice, Jungle Adventurers (Toddlers)

Every morning I'm excited to greet the children and parents and look forward to our day of adventure and ensuring that the children feel safe and welcome.

I have a level 3 diploma in health and social care and I'm working towards gaining my level 2 and 3 qualifications in childcare.

Whether it's messy play or time to sit quietly in the reading corner getting stuck into a story, I love getting involved with all activities.

Rachel Ann Wood

Nursery Practitioner, Jungle Adventurers (Toddlers)

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workplace

Hi I'm Rachel, I work within the Jungle Adventurers room for 2-3 year olds.  I am Level 3 qualified in childcare, I enjoy watching children grow and supporting their milestones for their next steps.

In the room I love setting up inviting and educational tuff trays and having tea parties.

Ellie Catherine Franklin

Nursery Apprentice, Space Explorers (Pre-School)

Hi I'Âm Ellie. I'Âm based in the Space Explorers Pre-School room and have been for a little over 3 years now. Since becoming a mum I have found that I have gained even more experience that I use each day within my role to ensure a positive, nurturing and safe environment for all the children. Each day I look forward to greeting your little ones with a big smile and helping them to settle in for the day!

I'Âm currently studying towards completing my level 3 qualification and will be completing this in the new year.

I enjoy planning and creating all things messy for the children and helping them to grow and develop each day they are in our care!

Sasha Elizabeth Johnson

Nursery Apprentice, Arctic Explorers (Pre-School)

Working towards Early Years Educator Level 3

Hi I'm Sasha, I am based in the Arctic Explorers Pre-School room. Every morning I am excited to greet the children and look forward to a day full of exciting activities.

I am currently starting my Level 3 diploma in childcare.

I enjoy getting stuck into all things messy,  getting creative and watching all of the children grow and develop.

Ellie Hewett-Emmett

Nursery Assistant, Space Explorers (Pre-School)

I look forward to meeting your little one!

Louisa Dance

Head of Pre-School/Room Leader, Arctic Explorers (Pre-School)

Bachelor of Arts with Honours - Level 6 in Early Years Education

As the head of both preschool rooms, I work alongside my fantastic preschool team to ensure the smooth running of both Space Explorers and Arctic Explorers which includes day-to-day planning and providing exciting experiences for our children.

My extensive 24 years of experience span a variety of Early Years provisions where I have supported children with many different additional needs. I am committed to providing an engaging environment where our explorers can thrive, explore, and develop at their own pace as they progress within preschool until leaving for reception class.

With a creative flair at the core of all the activities we plan, children will never have a dull moment. From me, the children can expect plenty of enthusiasm, exploration through messy and craft activities, silly songs, movement, and a listening ear to hear my explorers amazing imagination and stories!

I look forward to working alongside parents and guardians and supporting your little explorers as they grow and develop.

Rebecca Dawn Snashfold

Nursery Apprentice/Deputy SENCO, Arctic Explorers (pre-school)

Working towards Early Years Educator Level 3

Hi I'm Becci, I'm a mum to 2 boys. I'm based in the Arctic Room and have been a member of pre-school for nearly 3 years.

I'm currently working towards my Level 3 qualification and will be qualified in the New Year. I've more recently taken on the role of Deputy SENCO and enjoy supporting Mel and all of our wonderful SEN children.

Iqra Hussain

Room Leader, Space Explorers (pre-school)

Early Years Educator Level 6

Hello, my name is Iqra, I am a dedicated Preschool Room Leader here at Lets Explore Day Nursery. I hold a Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care and over 2 years of experience in childcare, I'm committed to nurturing a stimulating and inclusive environment tailored to our young learners.

As the Preschool Room Leader, my goal is to provide a supportive space that nurtures each child's social, emotional, and cognitive development. I'm passionate about crafting engaging activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and a love for learning.

At Lets Explore, I take pride in leading a team in Pre School, that values each child's unique journey. We focus on creating an atmosphere where preschoolers feel empowered to ask questions, explore their interests, and develop the foundational skills crucial for their future education.

Guiding our preschoolers through this vital stage brings me great joy. I aim to foster a sense of wonder and enthusiasm for learning that extends beyond the pre school room. It's an honour to be part of a nurturing environment that celebrates each child's growth and individuality.

Emily Bone

Nursery Practitioner, Arctic Explorers (Pre-School)

Working towards Early Years Educator Level 3

I work closely with our eldest children in Arctic Explorers and am currently studying towards my level 3 qualification in Early Years education.

In the mornings I look forward to greeting parents and reassuring them that their children will feel settled and welcomed - my favourite part about the morning is seeing the children's happy faces and having a morning cuddle.

I love to get involved with all activities, but my biggest passion is for creative activities and getting messy!

Abbie Pizzy

Nursery Assistant, Jungle Adventurers (Toddlers)

Samantha Greenwood

Nursery Assistant, Sea Cadets (Babies)

Hello I'm Sam and here at Lets Explore Day Nursery I'm someone who cares, guides and supports young children during their early years education. I see myself as a role model for children throughout the first five years of their lives and I always love getting stuck in with all the activities and being creative with the little ones.

Seeing all our little explorers learn and develop all these different skills and forming close bonds with children makes me so happy and it's really rewarding.