Choosing a nursery school in Ipaja means thinking about more than a nearby building. You want to know what your child will actually learn, who will teach them and how they will feel when they walk in each morning. The nursery years lay the foundations for everything that follows.
This guide describes what a good nursery programme covers, drawing on our approach at Palmville Children School, Ipaja: early literacy, numeracy, social and emotional growth, play and values.
A typical nursery day
Nursery children thrive on routine. A good day moves between different kinds of activity so that no child is expected to sit still for too long: group time, focused learning, play, snack and rest, and time outdoors. At Palmville Children School, the school day runs from 7:30am to 3:00pm, and 1:00pm on Fridays.
Mornings usually suit the more focused work, while afternoons allow for creative and active play. Predictable rhythms help young children feel safe, and safe children are ready to learn. Our renovated playground gives children space to run, climb and play with friends.
When you visit, ask to see the nursery classroom while lessons are going on. Look for children who are busy and relaxed, and for teachers who get down to a child’s level to speak. These are signs of a good early years setting.
Snack and rest times matter as much as lessons. Young children learn best when they are fed, rested and happy, so a good nursery pays attention to the whole child and not just the lesson plan.
Literacy and numeracy foundations
In literacy, the aim is to help children love language before they are asked to write it. This begins with listening to stories, singing rhymes, talking about pictures and learning the sounds that letters make. Gradually children begin to recognise letters, hear sounds in words and make their first marks on paper.
In numeracy, children learn by handling real objects. They count blocks, sort by colour and size, notice shapes around the room and talk about “more” and “fewer”. These practical experiences make later number work meaningful. In the early years, we use Chromebooks and tablets, as well as sensory toys, to support learning in a hands-on way, always alongside traditional play.
Phonics, singing and storytime are especially valuable, because they train the ear before the hand. Parents can support this at home by reading a short story at bedtime, naming objects around the house and letting children “help” with simple counting tasks such as counting plates at dinner.
Songs, rhymes and action games are central. They help children remember sounds and numbers, build vocabulary and enjoy being part of a group, all at once.
Social and emotional growth
Nursery is often a child’s first experience of being part of a group, so learning to share, take turns, wait and cope with disappointment matters as much as learning letters. Teachers model kind words and help children name their feelings, which is the beginning of self-control.
Our primary core values, truthfulness, respect, humility and the fear of God, are introduced in simple, child-friendly ways, through stories, daily habits and the example of the adults around them. Our Head of Early Years, Mrs Omotosho Titilayo, puts it this way: “A child’s brain is at its most flexible during the early years.” That is why patient, consistent guidance at this age matters so much.
Children also learn routines such as lining up, tidying toys and saying please and thank you. These habits may look small, but they build the self-discipline and consideration that help a child succeed in primary school and beyond.
Enrolling in a nursery school in Ipaja: Palmville
Palmville Children School has served families since 1989, and our motto is “Patience & Wisdom”: through patience and wisdom, we mould children to become leaders. Our founder, the late Olori Chief (Mrs.) Caroline Ayodele Bello Bankole, trained in the Montessori method in England, and her care for young children continues to inspire the school.
The best way to decide is to see a nursery in action. We are at 41/441 Road, 4th Avenue, Federal Housing Estate (Gowon Estate), Ipaja, Lagos. Please contact us to arrange a visit, or read more about our nursery and primary school.
When you come, ask about the daily routine, how teachers talk to parents and how new children are helped to settle. Our staff are glad to explain each point, and you are welcome to bring your child so that they can explore the classroom and meet the teachers.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child start nursery?
It depends on the school’s admission policy and your child’s readiness. Contact the school to ask which age groups it admits.
How can I help my child settle in?
Practise the morning routine at home, talk positively about school and keep goodbyes short and warm. Teachers can guide you on the first weeks.
A good nursery gives children a love of learning, friendships and a sense of security. Visit, ask questions and watch how children and teachers interact; you will learn a great deal in an hour. We would be happy to welcome you and your child to Palmville.