I am against using poor quality fabrics for the first quilt. I did and regret it. My first big quilt wasn't perfect but my DD loved it. The fabric was cheap and started to fall apart. I think pre cuts are the best for a beginner. All the colors go together and less cutting means less mistakes.
I would insist on a cut resistant glove or other cutting safety device. That would be the single most important thing. I would never start a beginner to using a machine that did not sew flawlessly. A machine that causes frustration is worthless.