Our Story
About Gracias Semilla International
Founded with a clear purpose — to create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring space where every child can
flourish from their very first days.
Our Mission
Nurturing Curious, Confident Children
We set out on a mission to create a day
nursery in which children between 2 months old and 5 years of age would be able to learn and grow in
confidence. We also offer wraparound care for children up to the age of 8, continuing to nurture children
during the first few years of their school journey.
Studies have shown that children do better when encouraged to
learn through play — and at Gracias Semilla, we've built our entire ethos around this principle. Every room,
every resource, and every member of staff is chosen with one goal in mind: helping each child reach their
full potential.
Core Values
What We Stand For
Our four pillars guide everything we do — from the way we design our classrooms to the way
we welcome each family.
Play-Based Learning
Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, imagination, creativity, language, observation,
memory, and concentration. This is at the heart of our teaching philosophy.
Safety First
We have very high security standards. All staff are fully vetted and DBS-checked. Safety and security
begins at the front door and continues throughout every area of our nursery.
Inclusive Community
We believe every child deserves equal opportunities. We celebrate diversity, support different learning
styles, and ensure every child feels valued, seen, and included every single day.
Passionate Staff
Our team is handpicked for their passion, qualifications, and warmth. We employ over-qualified staff to
ensure the very best care and development for every child in our setting.
By the Numbers
Gracias Semilla at a Glance
2mo+
Youngest Age Accepted
11yrs
Wraparound Care Up To
12hr
Daily Operating Hours
100%
Vetted & Qualified Staff
Our Location
Find Us in Lekki Phase 1
We are conveniently located at No 1
Fola Daniel Close, Off Hakeem Dickson, Beside Central Mosque, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos — in a
beautifully designed building purpose-built for early years learning.
+234 703 027 4068
info@graciassemillaschools.com.ng
Office Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Ages 2 – 5 Years
Pre-School Programme
A rich, play-based learning experience grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework —
sparking curiosity from day one.
The Curriculum
How We Teach & What We Explore
Our curriculum is structured around the seven areas of learning outlined in the EYFS,
brought to life through imaginative play, outdoor exploration, and creative expression.
Communication & Language
We build vocabulary through storytelling, songs, group discussions, and one-to-one interactions, setting
the foundations for literacy.
Physical Development
Daily outdoor play, structured movement activities, and fine motor exercises develop coordination,
strength, and healthy habits.
Personal, Social & Emotional
Children learn to manage feelings, build friendships, and develop self-confidence through circle time and
cooperative play.
Mathematics
Numbers, patterns, shapes, and problem-solving are introduced through games, puzzles, and hands-on
activities children love.
Literacy
Phonics, pre-reading, mark-making, and a love of books are nurtured through our dedicated library and daily
story sessions.
Understanding the World
Science, nature, culture, and technology are explored through experiments, visits, and hands-on discovery
activities.
A Typical Day
Your Child's Daily Journey
7:00 – 8:30am · Breakfast Club
A warm welcome with a nutritious breakfast and free play to ease into the day.
8:30 – 9:00am · Morning Circle
Songs, register, weather, and the plan for the day — building routine and language.
9:00 – 11:00am · Learning Activities
Structured play, literacy, and maths activities aligned with each child's development stage.
11:00am – 12:00pm · Outdoor Play
Fresh air, gross motor activities, and child-led exploration in our outdoor space.
12:00 – 1:00pm · Lunch
A freshly prepared, balanced meal from our in-house chef. Allergy-aware menus always.
1:00 – 3:00pm · Creative & Rest
Art, craft, music, or rest for younger children — creative exploration at its best.
3:00 – 7:00pm · After School Club
Relaxed wraparound care for school-age children with snacks, homework support, and free play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-School FAQs
Everything parents want to know before joining our pre-school programme.
Children can join our pre-school from as young as 2 years old. We also accept
babies from 2 months old in our nursery setting. We'll assess each child's readiness individually during a
settling-in visit.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework in Nigeria and
the UK that sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to age 5. It
covers seven areas of learning and ensures every child gets a strong educational foundation.
Each child has a personal Learning Journal maintained by their key worker. We
conduct regular observations, milestone checks, and share progress reports with parents. Parents are always
welcome to request a meeting to discuss their child's development.
Absolutely. We are committed to inclusion and equal opportunities. Our SENCO
(Special Educational Needs Coordinator) works with families to create individual support plans so that every
child can thrive in our setting.
We maintain ratios that meet or exceed national guidelines: 1:3 for children under
2, 1:4 for ages 2–3, and 1:8 for children aged 3–5. Every child is assigned a key worker who is their
primary point of contact.
Secure your child's place in our Pre-School today.
Apply Now
Ages 2 Months – 8 Years
Flexible Daycare & Wraparound Care
Whether you need full-time childcare or just a few sessions a week, our daycare is designed to fit your
family's life.
Our Daycare Sessions
Flexible Sessions to Suit Every Family
We offer a range of session types so you can find the right balance for your child and your
schedule.
| Session |
Time |
Suitable For |
Includes |
| Breakfast Club |
7:00 – 8:30am |
All ages |
Breakfast included |
| Morning Session |
8:30am – 12:30pm |
2 months – 5 years |
Snack included |
| Full Day |
8:30am – 5:30pm |
2 months – 5 years |
All meals included |
| Afternoon Session |
12:30 – 5:30pm |
2 months – 5 years |
Lunch & snack |
| After School Club |
3:30 – 7:00pm |
Up to age 8 |
Snack included |
| Extended Day |
7:00am – 7:00pm |
All ages |
All meals included |
Baby & Toddler Care
A Loving Home Away From Home
Our baby room is a warm, calm environment for
our youngest children (2 months to 24 months). With low lighting, soft furnishings, and sensory play zones,
it's designed around the developmental needs of infants.
Our toddler rooms are vibrant, stimulating
spaces where children aged 1–3 can explore freely. Every child has a named key worker who maintains
consistent routines, provides responsive care, and keeps parents updated throughout the day.
Baby Room
2 months – 24 months. Calm, nurturing, ratio 1:3.
Toddler Room
Ages 1 – 3. Active, exploratory play, ratio 1:4.
After School
After School Club — Ages 5 to 8
Our After School Club provides a safe, stimulating environment for school-age children from
3:30pm to 7:00pm every weekday.
Homework Support
Qualified staff available to help children complete homework and reading tasks in a calm, focused
environment.
Games & Free Play
Board games, outdoor play, sports, and creative activities let children unwind and socialise after school.
Healthy Snacks
A nutritious afternoon snack is provided each day — prepared fresh by our professional nursery chef.
Safety & Security
Your Child's Safety is Our Priority
We operate a rigorous safeguarding framework that every member of staff is trained in.
Secure Entry System
Keypad-controlled entry, CCTV coverage, and a strict sign-in/sign-out policy for every child every day.
Fully Vetted Staff
All staff undergo enhanced background checks, safeguarding training, and first aid certification before
joining our team.
Parent Communication
Daily updates, incident reports, and developmental notes shared with parents via our nursery app and
in-person handovers.
Ages 2 Months – 3 Years
Our Nursery — Gentle Beginnings
A warm, stimulating, and safe home-from-home for your youngest children. Every moment in our nursery is
designed to nurture growth, curiosity, and joy.
Who We Welcome
From Your Baby's First Days
Our nursery welcomes children from just 2
months old. We understand how significant it is to entrust your baby to someone else's care — which is why
everything about our nursery is built around comfort, safety, and love.
Every child is assigned a dedicated key worker
who gets to know their personality, preferences, and developmental milestones. We follow each child's
individual rhythms, never imposing a rigid timetable on our youngest learners.
Baby Room
2 – 12 months. Calm, sensory-rich, ratio 1:3.
Wobbler Room
12 – 24 months. Active exploration, ratio 1:3.
Toddler Room
2 – 3 years. Creative play, ratio 1:4.
🌿
Outdoor Garden
Daily fresh air and nature exploration for all ages.
Learning & Development
How We Support Your Child's Growth
Our nursery curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, adapted
for the youngest learners through play, song, sensory activities, and loving interactions.
Sensory Play
Sand, water, paint, texture boards, and light tables stimulate babies' and toddlers' senses, building
neural pathways from the very beginning.
Language & Communication
Songs, rhymes, stories, and responsive conversations are woven into every part of the day to build early
communication and listening skills.
Physical Development
Tummy time, soft play, climbing frames, and outdoor activities support gross and fine motor development at
every stage.
Personal & Social Skills
Sharing, turn-taking, and forming bonds with peers and key workers builds emotional resilience and social
confidence from day one.
Music & Movement
Daily music sessions with instruments, movement, and singing support rhythm, coordination, listening, and
pure joyful expression.
World Awareness
Books, pictures, and play that celebrate different cultures, languages, and traditions — reflecting the
diverse community we serve in Lagos.
Settling In
A Gentle Start for Every Child
We know starting nursery is a big moment — for babies and parents alike. Our settling-in
process is gradual and completely led by your child's comfort.
Home Visits
Before your child starts, their key worker may arrange a home visit so your child meets a familiar face in
a familiar place first.
Gradual Sessions
We start with short, parent-present sessions, gradually building to longer stays as your child's confidence
and comfort grows.
Daily Updates
Photos, observations, and daily activity summaries sent to parents throughout the day so you always feel
connected to your child's world.
Nursery FAQs
Common Nursery Questions
Babies should bring a labelled bag with spare clothes, nappies, formula (if not
breastfed), any comfort items (dummy, blanket), and sunscreen in warmer months. We provide all meals and
snacks for children who have started solid foods.
We follow each baby's individual sleep routine as closely as possible. Our baby
room has dedicated sleep spaces with individual cots and sleep monitors. We always place babies on their
backs in line with safe sleep guidelines.
A key worker is a named member of staff who is your child's primary carer in the
nursery. They will know your child's routines, preferences, and development milestones better than anyone,
and will be your main point of contact for all updates and conversations.
We work in close partnership with parents on potty training when the time comes.
We follow the child's lead and ensure a consistent approach between home and nursery. Our toddler room staff
are experienced in supporting this milestone with patience and encouragement.
Ages 5 – 11 Years
Primary School — Building Tomorrow's Leaders
An inspiring, rigorous, and joyful primary education that equips children with the knowledge, skills, and
character to thrive in the world.
Our Primary School
Education with Purpose & Heart
Our primary school provides a world-class
education for children aged 5 to 11. We combine a strong academic curriculum with an equally strong focus on
character, values, creativity, and community — because we believe education is about the whole child, not
just test scores.
Our small class sizes ensure every child
receives personalised attention. Our passionate, qualified teachers inspire a genuine love of learning that
lasts a lifetime.
Year Groups
Year 1 (Age 5–6)
Year 2 (Age 6–7)
Year 3 (Age 7–8)
Year 4 (Age 8–9)
Year 5 (Age 9–10)
Year 6 (Age 10–11)
The Curriculum
What Your Child Will Learn
Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious — designed to challenge every child while
celebrating the unique strengths each one brings to the classroom.
Mathematics
From number bonds to fractions and algebra — our maths curriculum builds deep understanding, mental
agility, and confident problem-solving.
English & Literacy
Reading, writing, grammar, public speaking, and debate — we build articulate, confident communicators who
love language in all its forms.
Science
Hands-on experiments, observations, and inquiry-based learning that builds scientific thinking and
curiosity about the natural world.
Technology & Computing
Coding, digital literacy, responsible internet use, and creative technology projects that prepare children
for a digital future.
Arts & Culture
Visual art, drama, music, and dance nurture creativity, self-expression, and appreciation of Nigeria's rich
cultural heritage and beyond.
Social Studies & Values
Civic responsibility, history, geography, and ethics — growing children who are informed, empathetic, and
proud of their identity.
Beyond the Classroom
Enrichment, Sport & Character
At Gracias Semilla Primary, we firmly believe
that education happens both inside and outside the classroom. Our enrichment programme ensures every child
discovers and develops talents that go beyond the academic.
Sports
Football, athletics, swimming, and team sports building fitness, teamwork, and resilience.
Art Club
After-school studio sessions exploring painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Book Club
Weekly reading group fostering a love of literature across all genres.
Debate & Drama
Confidence, public speaking, and critical thinking through debate and performance.
Assessment & Progress
Tracking Your Child's Journey
We maintain open, ongoing communication with parents about their child's academic progress,
social development, and wellbeing.
Termly Reports
Detailed written reports at the end of each term covering academic achievement, effort, behaviour, and
teacher observations for every subject.
Parent–Teacher Meetings
Scheduled each term, with the option of additional meetings whenever parents have questions or concerns
about their child's progress.
Awards & Celebrations
Regular assemblies, star-of-the-week certificates, and end-of-year celebrations that recognise academic and
personal achievements alike.
Primary School FAQs
Questions About Our Primary School
Children join our primary school from age 5, entering Year 1. We have a smooth
transition pathway for children who have been in our nursery or pre-school, and we also welcome new pupils
from other settings through our standard admissions process.
We have a smart, comfortable school uniform in our school colours of green and
white. Details of the full uniform list, approved suppliers, and PE kit requirements are provided in our
Parent Pack, which is shared upon enrolment.
Yes — homework is set weekly in line with the child's year group. For younger
children (Years 1–2) this is primarily reading and phonics. From Year 3 upwards, homework includes maths
practice, writing tasks, and research projects. We keep it manageable and purposeful.
Our Year 6 programme includes secondary school preparation, entrance exam support,
study skills workshops, and visits to secondary schools. Our pastoral team works closely with each child and
their family throughout this important transition.
Absolutely. Our teachers differentiate lessons so every child is appropriately
challenged. We run extension programmes, subject masterclasses, and competitions for children who are ready
to go further and deeper in any subject.
Mrs. Adesola O., Parent
