Fernside Preschool is a family-owned early childhood centre on a 3-acre farmyard at 207 Oroarkes Road in Fernside, Rangiora. The centre was built in 2009 and is licensed for 62 children from about three months to five years. Children are grouped into a nursery area for under-twos and a learning area for over-twos. The centre has more than 10 full-time teaching staff, all with current first aid certificates.
The grounds have over half an acre of secure landscaped play space, with a bike track, an observation hut, natural grass, vege plots, oversized sandpits and a farmyard with sheep, goats, ducks, an alpaca, cows and Kune Kune pigs. In spring, children bottle feed the baby calves and lambs. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 5 pm, with morning, afternoon and full-day sessions. Visits are welcome at any time without an appointment. Children over three can attend under 20 Hours ECE, which the Government subsidises for up to 20 hours a week and a maximum of six hours a day.