Childcare has become an indispensable support system for hard-working parents all across Malta and Gozo. The assurance that your children are in a safe environment, where they can not only play and receive care but also embark on a journey of learning and growth, is invaluable in today’s increasingly busy world.

For Director Victoria Sultana, who, alongside her husband, established Magic Steps Child Care Centre in Xewkija back in 2016, the significance of attentive caregiving and holistic development for children is crystal clear. 

“At Magic Steps, we are not babysitters, we are a learn-through-play centre,” Victoria emphasises. “We meticulously plan year-long strategies and weekly activities, with the deliberate intention of stimulating various dimensions of a child's development. We focus on nurturing their physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and sensory aspects, and this holistic approach is something that parents truly value.” 

Victoria certainly possesses the educational foundation ideally suited for overseeing an early learning centre. With a background in social work, she honed her skills as a qualified social worker in various educational settings, before pursuing a Master's degree in early years learning from the University of Sheffield, solidifying her expertise in the field. She also continues to lecture at MCAST, where she imparts her hard-earned knowledge and experience in childcare to aspiring child carers and kindergarten educators. 

In 2012, she began running her first childcare centre in Għarb, Gozo in response to the lack of such facilities in the area. Her entrepreneurial spirit thrived in this new endeavour, and a few years later, when the opportunity arose to establish Magic Steps under her own name, she seized it. This decision proved to be a resounding success, with the centre quickly gaining popularity and reaching full attendance, now with a waiting list extending as far as 2025. 

Reflecting on her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship, Victoria remarks, “Business was always in me. It just took some time to find the right field to apply my skills. I have a deep love for pedagogy, and I couldn't imagine leaving it behind. So, when the opportunity came to blend my passion for teaching with business, it felt like a natural choice.” 

Magic Steps has, arguably, stood out for a simple yet crucial reason. The centre was purposefully built and designed as a childcare centre from the ground up. Unlike some childcare centres that retrofit existing spaces, Magic Steps was created with children's needs in mind from the very start. 

The spacious premises offers a welcoming and enriching environment. It boasts an outdoor area reminiscent of a village playground, providing children with ample space to explore and play. Inside, there's a specially designated baby room catering to new-borns. Furthermore, Magic Steps features dedicated spaces for various activities, including an arts and crafts room, a sensory room, and even a mini gym. Natural light floods in through large glass panels, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout.

“When parents visit Magic Steps, they immediately realise how unique a space this is,” Victoria says. “I also insist that we keep up-to-standard equipment, toys, and resources. I’m always buying new things that are beneficial for the children. I encourage our carers to use all the resources we have available through age-appropriate activities so that we develop true independent learners.”

Victoria's pedagogical expertise also shines through at Magic Steps thanks to her commitment to following the Emergent Curriculum in Maltese Early Years Settings coupled with the learning outcome framework established by the Education Department.

This deliberate strategy provides Victoria and her dedicated team of over 20 qualified carers with a well-defined roadmap for nurturing the skills and knowledge needed by the various age groups they oversee. As she explains: “Our goal is to prepare children at Magic Steps to be independent learners who can thrive in kindergarten and beyond.”

Ever the one for meticulous planning, Victoria is also keen on maintaining optimal child-to-carer ratios within each group. This careful balance ensures that every child at Magic Steps has a dedicated carer, fostering strong bonds and a smooth settling-in process. With approximately 13 age-appropriate activities daily, Victoria's approach is both systematic and tailored to each age group's developmental milestones.

Yet, amid this structured environment, Victoria understands the importance of spontaneity. She encourages her team to observe the children's emerging interests, allowing these discoveries to shape the centre's monthly themes. From exploring farm animals to delving into topics like food and healthy eating, this approach creates a dynamic learning environment that genuinely captures children's curiosity and passions.

“Last August, we had an unexpected audit and received exceptionally positive feedback, especially with regards the variety and quality of the activities we organise. I strongly believe that children should be consistently engaged in activities that promote their development and learning,” she states.

While the centre has been a runaway success, Victoria says she is continuing her quest for improvement and expansion. They've introduced a childcare class for three- to four-year-olds, providing an alternative to early February Kindergarten enrolment. Magic Steps also offers a fun summer school programme and is considering a night service, depending on parental interest and the availability of qualified staff. 

Reflecting on Magic Steps’ journey so far, Victoria expresses that she and the team are incredibly proud with what has been achieved so far. There are more significant plans in the pipeline, including potentially opening another childcare centre in the future.

“My aspiration is to expand our reach and provide more children with the same exceptional care and education we offer at Magic Steps. However, I am dedicated to guaranteeing that any new location will uphold the high standards we've set here. The children we take care of are like my own, and I remain committed to providing them with a fulfilling and inspiring environment to come to every day,” Victoria concludes.