Amberley Community Preschool and Prep School is a not-for-profit early learning service on Douglas Road in Amberley, Hurunui. It is run by an incorporated society, and all funds go back into the service. Its board is made up of parents and community members who are elected each year. The preschool opened in 1992, after a small group of Hurunui residents set it up, and the prep school was added in 2014 as the town grew. The service offers nursery, preschool and prep school programmes, and works with eight district feed-in schools to build a pathway for each child. Ratios are kept low, so teachers and whānau can build warm, trusting relationships.
The service's values are whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, and its children learn to care for people, the community and the environment. Children grow plants from seed, tend the garden and share the produce with families. The community gives back through baking for elderly neighbours, raising money for local charities, picking up rubbish in the parks and gifting to families at Christmas. Celebrations include Matariki, Mother's and Father's Day, cultural days and events such as the Rugby World Cup. The preschool can be reached on 03 314 9147, and the prep school on 03 314 9148.