My name is Ali Spencer
I joined Blundell's Pre-Prep in 2009 as a Teaching Assistant and became the Nursery One teacher in 2016. I thoroughly enjoyed my job and it was a pleasure to teach every one of the children who began their school journey in my class. In July 2025 I left full time teaching and became a school-holidays-only childminder, a decision I have not regretted for one single minute. The holidays so far have been full of fun, laughter and freedom and I can't wait to re-open the Lodge and to welcome the next 'Squirrel Squad'.
My family
I am married to Phil and we have two completely amazing children, William and Lucie. William is living the London Life and marrying his sixth form sweetheart, Mehek, in the summer. Lucie is currently studying history at Durham University and she is also a super cool drummer in a successful Uni band, The Slippery Staircase!
In my spare time
I am a fair-weather sailor - preferring the Med to the English Channel and on dry land I like nothing better than a long walk 'n' talk with friends. I also love swimming, I'm in the process of swimming the Channel (in the local pool) but I have a long way to go. I read a lot, although I do tend to get stuck on one author, at the moment it's Lucinda Riley, but my all time favourite books are Jane Eyre and National Velvet. I am attempting to write a screen-play but writers' block is real and I also enjoy painting and sketching.
Empty Nest Syndrome
With William flown and Lucie away at University, being a school-holidays-only childminder definitely helps ease the pain of my own children flying the nest! We also fought off Empty Nest Syndrome with a new puppy, Winston joined us at the beginning of last year - much to the horror of our two elderly labs, and he is desperate to join the Squirrel Squad!