The delighted manager of a Nottinghamshire children’s disability home has been given the best retirement present after it was rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Lynda Lever, who is retiring from her role at The Big House in Edwinstowe, says the outcome is the ‘icing on the cake’ as a career spanning almost 40 years with Nottinghamshire County Council draws to a close.

She said: “It can’t get any better and it’s a phenomenal achievement, it really is. It’s the icing on the cake with me retiring.
“The outcome highlights how the management team has developed. The support we are offering the team is really good and this is reflected in how positive the staff are; they just want to do great stuff with the children.

“Therefore, because the morale is good and the staff are positive, it makes for a far happier and more stable team which is working towards the same goal – providing amazing opportunities for children.

“We have a brilliant team, and the children are really happy to be here. They come in with a big smile on their face because they want to be here and are an absolute delight. 

“I am really proud that I am leaving the home in such a good place.”
The Big House is a short break home which provides care for children and young people who have significant intellectual disabilities, received the 'outstanding' rating following a two-day inspection in February.  
Lynda, who has worked at The Big House since 2004, added: “It is difficult to achieve ‘outstanding’ within short breaks because children are only coming to us two or three times a month, and we must be able to evidence outcomes for them and progress.

“For Ofsted to recognise this is an even bigger achievement. It’s not often that short breaks homes get outstanding, let alone in all three areas.”

Ofsted’s inspector described the children’s home as ‘outstanding’ in three main categories:

•    Overall experiences and progress of children and young people;
•    How well children and young people are helped and protected;
•    The effectiveness of leaders and managers.

Ofsted also highlighted the ‘outstanding’ effectiveness of the leadership and management team.

The report reads: “The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good.

“The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.”

The Big House has been a lifeline for many families across the county since it opened its doors following a multi-million pound rebuild in 2015. 
It primarily provides care and support for young people, enabling carers to have time away from their day-to-day caring responsibilities.

Councillor Tracey Taylor, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said she is delighted with the latest Ofsted outcome and paid tribute to Lynda on her retirement.

She said: “I want to congratulate everyone at The Big House for this outstanding report.

“Here at Nottinghamshire County Council, we are all aware of the hard work and dedication of staff to make the children feel loved, protected and safe – but it is always nice to have this recognised by Ofsted.

“I know only too well how focused the staff are at doing their best and I am delighted the inspection team highlighted how they ‘go over and above to offer a flexible level of support’.

“Everyone associated with The Big House should be extremely proud with this outcome.

“I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Lynda Lever for her wonderful and selfless service spanning many years.

“She has helped to make a difference to so many children’s lives across Nottinghamshire through her tireless dedication and I am sure their families are extremely grateful for everything she has done for them.
“Lynda will be deeply missed by everyone, but her legacy will continue and she is leaving The Big House in a fantastic position to continue with its outstanding work supporting children and their families.”