Moving with family,

Is this your first international move ? So much of it boils down to personal circumstances so hard to comment on the what to do first.

I would be cautious about the childcare providers on the island,unless you have properly screened them. Most occupy a room in a house with about 7-8 shouting kids, and shouting caregivers. Its hard to tell in these situations who is the toddler .

So in this regard, be sure to ask for at least a police clearance certificate, some references etc and if they allow it spend a few days with the kids to settle in. Some dont, which raises questions as to why not ?

Also ask if they are authorised by the Education standards authority, its on a gov website the authorised ones. Although ones which are not authorised, or in the process of finalising, which could take years , are still allowed to operate.

It also depends on how old your kids are, as they have older kids mixed with younger ones, and older kids tend to be a bit more confident and assertive.

I lived in Malta for a year and travelled back and forth the following year but that was 15 years ago when i had no commitments. 

The process of finding childcare here in the UK is really straight forward and CRB checks are part of the standard practice.  I would never leave my youngest with someone who wasn't qualified or without first aid experience, nor would i allow him to be in an over crowded playgroup.  I'd rather pay for in house help.

There must be some expats who are qualified and have set up child care somewhere on the island though!

Amanda x