Playfulness
Warmth, lightness and safe connection help children experience adults as approachable, steady and human.
In practice: staff use gentle humour, shared activities and warm tone to lower anxiety without minimising feelings.
About Animate Care
Who we are and
why we do this
Animate Care was founded on a simple belief: every young person deserves consistent, compassionate support from people who genuinely care.
Our mission is to provide safe, nurturing and holistic environments that empower each child to reach their full potential.
Our ethos
Child-centred, trauma-informed, always
We are child-centred in everything we do. We listen first, ask thoughtful questions and build care around the individual, not a system.
Our therapeutic approach is grounded in the PACE model, developed by Dr Daniel Hughes. PACE recognises that children who have experienced trauma need safety, connection and understanding before they can grow.
We also embed restorative practice. When things go wrong, we focus on understanding, repair and learning, not punishment.
Values
What we stand for
Safety First
Every decision begins with one question: is this child safe?
Every Voice Matters
Children participate in care plans, daily decisions and home meetings.
Holistic Care
We support the whole person: body, mind, relationships and future.
Identity and Culture
We celebrate diversity and support cultural, religious and personal identity.
Transparency
We communicate openly with families, authorities and professionals.
Improvement
Our team reflects, learns and evolves through supervision and training.
Leadership
Experienced, accountable and child-focused
Animate Care is led by experienced professionals with backgrounds in child protection, social work, residential childcare, safeguarding, regulation and quality assurance.
Taps Kundoro
Responsible IndividualTaps has a substantial background in child protection, supported accommodation management, youth work, early help, fostering services, Regulation 44 visiting and care management.
Read Taps' profile
Toni Berry
Registered ManagerToni is a qualified senior social worker with 26 years' experience working with children and young people, including adolescents, care leavers and local authority residential settings.
Read Toni's profileRegulated care
Regulated, accountable and proud of it
Animate Care is registered with Ofsted and operates under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children's Acts 1989 and 2004.
We welcome Regulation 44 independent visits and work proactively with Ofsted, placing authorities, LADO, CAMHS and other statutory bodies.
About Animate Care: questions answered
Who runs Animate Care?
Animate Care is led by Taps Kundoro as Responsible Individual and Toni Berry as Registered Manager.
What regulations does Animate Care follow?
Animate Care operates under the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015, the Care Standards Act 2000 and the Children's Acts 1989 and 2004.
What is the PACE model?
PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy. It underpins daily practice and helps children feel safe enough to engage.
How does Animate Care involve children in their own care?
Children participate in Placement Plans, regular meetings and daily decisions, supported by key workers who advocate for their views and needs.
Go deeper
Meet the people and practice behind the care
From values to leadership to day-to-day support, these pages show how Animate Care turns its ethos into real residential childcare.