Burrow Down Shortbreaks

The following is CQC's published account of its assessment, published 9 January 2026. References to “we” mean CQC. It describes findings at that time.

Date of assessment: 28 October to 24 November 2025.

An assessment has been undertaken of this specialist service that is used by autistic people or people with a learning disability. We have assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

Burrow Down Shortbreaks, known as Lynwood Lodge, is a residential care home that provides respite care for up to 6 people who have a learning disability, autistic people, and people with additional associated needs such as physical disability, sensory impairment, and complex behaviours. At the time of the inspection, 8 people were using the service. 6 people were staying at Lynwood Lodge in a residential area of Torquay, and 2 people were being supported at a holiday park. This second location is not registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide care.

This was a responsive assessment following concerns identified at one of the provider’s other registered locations. During this assessment, we reviewed 21 quality statements and identified 4 breaches of legal regulations relating to safe care and treatment, need for consent, recruitment, and governance.

People were not always protected from the risk of harm because staff did not consistently have all the information needed to meet people’s needs safely. Systems and processes had not been fully developed or embedded to ensure safety concerns were identified and learning was shared. This meant people were at risk of receiving care and support that did not always promote their well-being or protect them from avoidable harm.

The registered manager promoted an open and honest culture where people felt able to speak up and have their voices heard. They recognised the importance of partnership working to improve outcomes and ensured people could access a range of healthcare services. During the assessment, the registered and deputy managers were transparent, acknowledged areas for improvement, and demonstrated a commitment to addressing concerns.

At this assessment, the overall rating has changed from good to requires improvement. In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward. In addition, we have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.