School Feature – Little Beginnings Academy

This month, LagosMums interviews Mrs. Gemma Clarke, the director of Little Beginnings Academy, Lekki. She discusses the school curriculum, ethos and more.

Please introduce yourself and your background?

My name is Gemma Clarke and I am the director or Little Beginnings Academy. I am a seasoned educator with over 10 years’ experience.

What is the name of the School and when was it founded? Where is the school located?

The Little Beginnings Academy was borne out of a desire to meet the needs of children with learning difference. It started in 2011 as a Saturday Activity Klub to provide play and social skills to children while also meeting other needs in a play-based setting.  

Today it has grown into a School offering both therapy and academic services in a well structured environment. We provide a unique blend of therapeutic interventions and curriculum-based academics.  

We are located in Lekki Phase 1. 

Please give details of your staff/administrations?

We are a comprehensive team of occupational therapist, behavior analyst, child psychologist, speech therapist, physiotherapist and special educators.

Seasoned therapists from different professions such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, psychology and behavior therapy apply evidence-based therapy in the field of child care to address each child’s needs. Experienced teachers in Montessori education are involved in careful assessment of the child’s academic level and needs while providing quality education based on the findings.  

We provide a trans-disciplinary model of service delivery covering the following domains: assessment, development of goals and delivery of instruction and therapy.

Ratio of kids to teachers?

Our therapist/teacher to child ratio is always 1:1. 

Number of children in the school and the capacity? What age range are your students? And class range?

We have the capacity to cater to 40 children from the ages of 1 year – 16 years old

What is the curriculum/teaching methodology?

Our current teaching methodology is one that uses the British system with a blend of Montessori, however; we follow the child and teach according to what the child can do, rather than what the curriculum dictates.

Tuition? Is there a payment plan for parents? Termly? Monthly? Annually? 

Our tuition is an all-inclusive price for all the therapy and academics the child needs. We have payment plans and options available. We offer full time school, half day school, and individual days too. We also have an hourly rate – all to best suit your child’s needs. 

What is the admission process? deadline? Is it rolling?

Admission process is as follows; visit the school for initial chat/observations, we will assess the child and then discuss how we feel we can best help the child. Enrolment is open all through the year.

How do you assess students’ progress?

Assessing students’ progress is done daily.  All therapist and teachers write session reports which are sent to parents via email every day. The long term assessment is in the form of Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) which are developed soon after enrolment and reviewed twice a term.

How do we contact you for more information? Or to schedule a visit to the school?  

For more information you can visit our website www.little-beginnings.org, call me on 08174 380 0101 or send an email to [email protected]

Do you offer a school bus service?

We do not operate a school bus service. 

Any other information you would like to share?

We also run a Saturday club every week from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for N20,000 per month. All children are welcome (e-typical children as well as those with additional needs). Saturday club includes lots of fun activities for children between the ages of 2-16!