What type of "beginners"? Adult, or child?
And why in the heck is this in the Classic/Vintage section?
No doubt you could ask the same question in an MTB forum, Road forum, or commuter forum, and get completely different answers.

Anyway, I started with toeclips at about age 10. I did try leather cycling shoes and toestrap cleats for a while, but gave them up when my riding became commuting dominated. I rode with toeclips until just last year when I started doing 100+ mile rides again, and found the toeclips and street shoes just didn't do it for me anymore.

It all depends on your riding.
For 1-2 mile commutes/errands... FLATS???
5-10+ mile commuting, toeclips?? Especially if you're spending a few minutes on the bike, and long days at work.
20 mile errands, etc... SPDs
Road Riding... Whatever clipless you choose.

It might not hurt to get practice with the toeclips. Just so you'll have the experience.

I'd also start with toeclips for kids.

You can also use "half clips", or toeclips without straps.