BestStart Roydvale is a childcare centre on Roydvale Avenue in Burnside, Christchurch, run by BestStart Educare. Its gardens are what stand out: the teachers and children have grown vegetables and herbs in two outdoor areas, which feed the midday meals, and the centre keeps guinea pigs too. The centre's qualified chef cooks balanced meals and bakes, and it caters for allergies and special diets.
The programme is child-led, with teacher-directed learning, and children learn to take managed risks. Excursions go to nearby schools, parks and the local community, and the centre has links to the land and its cabbage trees. Families are welcome to visit and to join family events. The centre offers 20 hours free for three to five year olds, and WINZ subsidies are available if needed. Parents can book a visit at a set time. Families describe the staff as friendly and caring, and one has had two children there for seven years. Burnside sits near several other childcare centres, including BestStart Wairakei Road, rated 4.7 from 19 reviews, and Kelly Club Roydvale, rated 4.9 from 9 reviews. For a Burnside family looking for a centre with its own garden and kitchen, Roydvale is a strong option.