Well one metre paths, that is a lot of mulching. And mulches do encourage slugs, though perhaps less in your drier climate.
So clover does make sense but… that means a lot of edging as it will alwys be growing into the beds. For a school project, some edging boards may be worth it, to define beds, helping children see them clearly and to keep path weeds/clover/grass in check. Then you could have mown clover, nice to walk on even in wet wether, when grass clippings may be soggy.