This inspection took place on 18 and 21 October 2016 and was announced.

Abilities Short Breaks - Preston Road provides flexible overnight stays for people with learning disabilities. The Local Authority agrees a package of care with families where people are allocated a set number of nights for a year or a set number of nights per month. The families booked for short break services according to their needs. At the time of this inspection, twelve people were using the service at different times. The service has the capacity to provide accommodation for up to three people at any given time.

The service had a registered manager. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

The service was not always safe. A health and safety inspection of the premises that was carried out in September 2016 had identified some shortfalls regarding health and safety checks. At this inspection we saw the service had taken appropriate actions to ensure people were kept safe and protected from foreseeable risks. Therefore it was too early for the registered provider to demonstrate the service was safe. To do so, the service must demonstrate a consistent track record of improvements. We will keep the service under review to check if the noted improvements are sustained.

There were procedures in place for monitoring and managing risks to people. When there were changes in the level of risk, the risk management strategies changed to reflect this. There were appropriate procedures in place to help ensure people were protected from all forms of abuse. Staff had received training on how to identify abuse and understood procedures for safeguarding people.

People were protected from the risks associated with the recruitment of new staff. The service followed safe recruitment practices. People were safe because staffing levels were assessed and monitored to ensure they were sufficient to meet people's identified needs at all times.

Throughout this inspection we saw good examples of person-centred care. The care needs of people had been fully assessed and documented before they started receiving care. Staff were supported to carry out assessments to identify people's support needs and care plans were developed outlining how these needs were to be met.

People were supported to maintain good health. They had access to a wide range of appropriate healthcare services that monitored their health and provided people with appropriate support, treatment and specialist advice when needed. People were supported and encouraged to choose what they wanted to eat and drink.

Staff understood how to support people with dignity. Staff spoke with people in a respectful way, giving people time to understand and respond.

All staff had attended training on the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 within the last 12 months. Staff were knowledgeable and were aware of their obligations with respect to people's choices and consent. Records showed clear decision-making processes, mental capacity assessments and best interests meetings.

There was a quality assurance system in place. The registered manager and staff team were proactive in seeking out ways to improve.