Mrs. Deola Olowolafe, Director of Leabridge Preparatory School, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja – Lagos, walks us through the schools administration, curriculum and extracurricular activities in yet another exciting school feature this month.
Please introduce yourself and your background?
My name is ‘Deola Olowolafe. I am a Christian, a wife, a mother of two and a career woman. I have a first degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales, a diploma in Child Care from Stonebridge Associated Colleges U.K. and an MSc in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University Minneapolis, USA. I worked in the Finance sector in both UK and Nigeria for over 10 years before I decided to follow my passion for teaching kids.
What is the name of the School and when was it founded?
The name of the school is Leabridge Preparatory School but its fondly called THE LEABRIDGE. LEA being an old English word for Pasture, a place fit for feeding/grazing. We see ourselves as a place of learning and growing and we are also the BRIDGE that takes you from where you are to where you want to go.
Where is the school located?
We are located at 2 Akinola Cole Crescent, Off Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja Lagos.
Please give details of your staff/administrations?
I currently supervise the academic and administrative arms at The Leabridge. Â At The Leabridge, our staffs are our most valuable resource and the utmost priority is given to ensure that they reach their full potential. All our staffs are qualified childcare professionals with substantial experience in their field. Continuous Learning & Education are also encouraged to ensure that our teaching and non-teaching staff are well equipped for their roles.
Ratio of kids to teachers?
Babies (3mths – 12mths) – 3:1
Toddlers (13mths – 24mths) – 3:1
Play School (2yrs-3yrs) – 5:1
Pre-school (3yrs – 5yrs) – 7:1
The play school & pre-school classes normally have one teacher and one assistant teacher per class.
Number of children in the school and the capacity?
We started operations a few months ago and our numbers are still growing. We have pegged our maximum capacity at 40-45 despite our large grounds this is because we believe children need space to learn and grow.
What age range are your students?
We are a Crèche and Pre-school, so we take in children from 3 month, nurture and care for them up until age 5 when they are ready to go into primary school. We have a crèche, which we consider a home away from home for the babies and toddlers and 3 fully furnished and equipped classes for the 2 – 5 year olds.
What is the curriculum/teaching methodology?
Our curriculum is a blend of the British Early Years, Montessori and the Nigerian curriculum.
Extra-curricular activities available? School Hours and any after school services offered?
Our extra curricular activities include (but are not limited to) art & craft, story time, role-play and cooking. We also offer after school services from 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
What is the admission process?
I always encourage parents to visit the school first where they can meet me and other members of staff, have a look a look around and have us answer any questions or enquiries they may have. Interested parents would then purchase the admission form and information pack. On returning the completed forms, a brief meeting will be held with the parent(s) to help us know more about the child even before he or she resumes.
Applications are welcome through out the year; the school terms start in September, January and April
Is there a payment plan for parents?
Tuition for the Crèche can either be paid monthly or quarterly, depending on the parents.
Tuition for Preschool (ages 2-5) is termly.
All forms of tuition are expected to be paid in by the first week of the month or term.
How do you assess students’ progress?
Each child is assessed individually based on the child’s age appropriate curriculum. Teachers have been trained to do a weekly assessment of each child’s progress, which is then discussed / addressed at our weekly meetings where a tailor-made remedial plan is drawn up for each concerned child. The respective parents are also carried along
Discipline methods?
Here at The Leabridge we do not engage in corporal punishments or spanking. We emphasise the important of good behavior and reward good behavior with stars and stickers. But when necessary, we use the effective ‘Time Out’ method. This is where you remove a child from a situation to sit and think about what he or she has done wrong.
Do you offer a school bus service?
We have advanced plans to start off our school bus service in earnest
What should parents be looking for to decide if your school would work for them/their children?
Some of the things that parents should consider when looking for a school for their children include
(1) Proximity & logistics as regards drop off and pick up of the child.
(2) The school facilities i.e. teaching and learning aids, availability of power (electricity).
(3) The quality of staff (qualifications & experience), appearance and communication skills.
(4) The environment e.g. playing ground, classroom capacity, toilets etc.
(5) Health, Safety & Security
How is your school preparing children for learning and operating in the 21st century?
The world is changing everyday and new innovations and ideas are being birth and the bar is being raised higher and higher. Now both the young and the old are challenged to do more. Even educational systems all over the world are changing to meet the demands of the current world.
With this in mind we at The Leabridge are deploying top range ICT learning aids and have put together a curriculum that comprises academics and some soft skills, which would help, develop critical thinking, good communication, teamwork and creativity and innovation. These will help them develop into adults who are not just intelligent but are also able to work with others and respect people’s differences.
Contact Information for the school
For more information you are welcome to visit the school or you can reach us via any of the following mediums:
Telephone numbers: 0700LEABRIDGE Â Â or 08181320000
Website: www.theleabridge.com
Email: [email protected] or  [email protected]
Twitter: @theleabridge |Â Instagram: theleabridge |Â Facebook: www.facebook.com/leabridge
Any other information you would like to share?
At The Leabridge, our crèche is considered a home away from home; we provide quality care for your babies. Our crèche is open Monday – Friday from 6.30am – 6pm while Pre-school is from 8am -1.30pm on Monday to Friday. Our after school care is also available on request.
