Burrow Down Shortbreaks, Torquay
CQC Inspection Breakdown
| Safe | Requires improvement |
| Effective | Requires improvement |
| Caring | Good |
| Responsive | Good |
| Well-led | Requires improvement |
About Burrow Down Shortbreaks
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.
What residents and families say
“Our relative is safe emotionally and, in every aspect,”
“My relative is safe, they [meaning staff] are kind and caring and show respect for dignity. I am happy with all that they do,”
“The staff are amazing. I cannot praise them enough.”
Source: CQC inspection report
Specialisms
About Burrow Down Shortbreaks
Nestled in Torquay, Torbay, Burrow Down Shortbreaks is a residential care home dedicated to helping residents feel safe, comfortable, and at home. The home is operated by Burrow Down Support Services Limited and can accommodate up to 6 residents. Following their most recent inspection on 09/01/2026, the Care Quality Commission rated Burrow Down Shortbreaks as Requires improvement. Across the five inspection categories, the home scored Good for Caring, Responsive; Requires Improvement for Safe and Effective and Well-led. The home caters to a range of care needs, including sensory impairments, caring for adults under 65 yrs, learning disabilities and physical disabilities. The service supports learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder, physical disability, sensory impairment, younger adults. The TQ2 postcode area has 8 registered care homes with a combined 179 beds — so there are options to compare in the local area.
Finding the right care home is a deeply personal decision, and we hope this information helps you and your family feel more confident as you explore your options. Every person deserves care that respects their individuality, and the right home will feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
Burrow Down Shortbreaks is one of the care homes in Torbay — a local authority with 74 CQC-registered homes, 56 of which are rated Good or Outstanding.
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Further Reading & Official Sources
- Official CQC inspection report for Burrow Down Shortbreaks
- View Burrow Down Shortbreaks on Google Maps
- NHS care home finder near TQ2 8QX
We link to official and independent sources so families can verify the information on this page.
What to Expect When Visiting
When visiting a residential care home, pay attention to the atmosphere as much as the facilities. The best homes feel warm, unhurried, and genuinely caring — like a place where your loved one could feel at home.
- Try to visit at different times of day, including mealtimes, to see the home in action.
- Speak with staff and, if possible, current residents or their families about their experience.
- Ask how the home supports residents who may need nursing care in the future.
- Look at the communal spaces — do they feel welcoming, clean, and well-used?
- Assess the accessibility of corridors, bathrooms, and outdoor areas for wheelchair users.
Questions to Ask When Visiting
It can be hard to know what to ask during a care home visit. Here are some questions tailored to Burrow Down Shortbreaks's type of care that may help guide your conversation:
- 1 What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
- 2 How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
- 3 Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
- 4 What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
For a more complete checklist, see our guide to choosing a care home.
Official CQC Inspection Report
The Care Quality Commission last inspected Burrow Down Shortbreaks on 09/01/2026 and rated it Requires improvement. The full report includes detailed findings on safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Read the full CQC reportWhat families typically look for
- - How friendly and attentive the care staff are day-to-day
- - What activities and social events are available for residents
- - How the home handles changing care needs over time
These reflect common priorities we see from families researching care homes. For personalised advice, we recommend visiting in person and speaking to current families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a resident's care needs increase beyond what you can provide?
CQC rated Burrow Down Shortbreaks as Good for Responsive care on 09/01/2026, which includes how the home adapts to residents' changing needs. Ask what the home's protocol is when a resident needs a higher level of nursing care — whether they support a managed transition or have partnerships with local nursing homes.
How do you support residents to stay active and connected to their community?
CQC rated Burrow Down Shortbreaks as Good for Caring on 09/01/2026. This domain covers how staff support residents' emotional wellbeing, social connection, and sense of purpose. During your visit, ask to see the activities timetable and speak with current residents or their families about daily life.
Can residents personalise their rooms with their own furniture and belongings?
Most residential care homes encourage residents to bring personal furniture and belongings to make their room feel like home. When visiting Burrow Down Shortbreaks, ask about room sizes, any restrictions on furniture, and whether residents can hang pictures and decorate their space as they wish. A personalised room can make a significant difference to a resident's sense of comfort and identity.
What does a typical day look like for someone living here?
With 6 residents and care tailored to sensory impairments, daily routines at Burrow Down Shortbreaks will be shaped around individual needs. During your visit, observe the lunchtime atmosphere, ask about morning routines and whether residents have flexibility around wake-up times and meal choices, and check what a typical afternoon looks like.
What is the CQC rating for Burrow Down Shortbreaks?
Burrow Down Shortbreaks in Torquay is rated Requires improvement by the Care Quality Commission. The most recent inspection was on 09/01/2026. The home has 6 beds.
How many beds does Burrow Down Shortbreaks have?
Burrow Down Shortbreaks has 6 beds and operates as a residential care home in Torquay.
Location
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Other Care Homes in TQ2
More from Burrow Down Support Services Limited
- Burrow Down Residential Home Paignton · Good
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- Heathlands Care Home London · Good
- Acorn Luxury Care Limited Bournemouth · Good
- Simone's House Uxbridge · Good
Data from the Care Quality Commission, last updated March 2026. View on CQC website → How we use this data