Only problem IMHO is that a .410 is really an expert's gun. They have low recoil, but they're expensive to shoot and you need to be good to use one effectively. I've always thought that a 20 ga is a better one for learning; a bit more kick than a .410 but easily available, cheap, and easier to learn with.
I'll second the single shot bolt; that's what both of my kids learned on. Helps reinforce the basics, and keeps you from resorting to the spray and pray method.