When Egyptian-born Faten Abdelrahman arrived in Malta over 25 years ago, she struggled to find suitable childcare for her daughter. “I wasn’t happy with the options I found at the time,” she recalls. “There simply weren’t enough places where I felt my child would be truly nurtured and treated like family.” What started as a personal dilemma planted the seed for what would later become Wiggles n’ Wriggles, now one of Malta’s most respected childcare providers.

Despite being just 19 years old and an expat in a new country, she started to envision the type of childcare centre she wished existed, a meaningful space rooted in care. “When you bring your child to Wiggles n’ Wriggles, they are treated like one of our own. Our staff are not just employees, they are second mothers, deeply connected to each child.”

This philosophy is a core driver of the company’s growth. As Faten’s General Manager, and right-hand woman, Pia Darmanin explains: “We see siblings returning. The ongoing connection is very special. Parents stop us in the street to share updates about their children. That tells us we’re doing something right.” Pia was there from the start and is as devoted as Faten.

Today, Wiggles n’ Wriggles operates across four centres with a fifth location in Marsaxlokk planned for next year. The already sizeable team of 52, 49 of whom are women, is set to grow further. Still, the values of trust, care, and personal attention remain central and supported by a rigorous recruitment process. “It’s difficult nowadays with so many childcare centres opening in Malta,” Faten says. “But when we find the right people, we invest in them. We train them, support them, and work hard to ensure they feel valued.”

Staff development is central to operations. “We hold regular team meetings to identify gaps and areas for growth,” Faten explains. “Recently, we brought in a paediatrician, speech therapist, behavioural specialist and podologist to train our staff on recognising early signs of developmental issues.”

The training sessions at Wiggles n’ Wriggles often incorporate experiential learning, allowing staff to step directly into the children’s world. Exercises such as walking barefoot on sensory mats give team members a first-hand understanding of how young children experience physical sensations. By physically placing themselves in the child’s position, staff can cultivate deeper empathy and sharpen their ability to recognise, respond to, and support each child’s unique developmental needs.

Staff support extends beyond professional training into personal care, something Faten takes great pride in. She recognises that many of her team members juggle the demands of work and family, and is committed to creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued, understood, and able to balance both. “Most of our staff are mothers themselves. We understand the mental load that many women carry, so if a staff member’s child is sick, we don’t put extra pressure on them; we ensure we have relievers in place so no one feels they have to choose between work and family.” In fact, Faten meets managers, educators and relievers every week to offer support and a safe space for her team to share any issues or concerns they may have. 

While staffing is a challenge, with qualified educators in high demand across the island, Faten’s approach has earned extraordinary loyalty. 75 per cent of staff have stayed with the business long-term. Reflecting on the biggest hurdle Wiggles n’ Wriggles faced over the years, perhaps the most intense test came during the pandemic.

“We were supposed to open our new centre the day before lockdown in March 2020, then suddenly everything shut down. We had new staff with no children to care for!” Pia recalls. When restrictions eased, the team demonstrated huge resilience and agility as they were among the first to reopen, creating summer schools almost overnight to help parents return to work.

Their ability to adapt so quickly supported families in a time of great uncertainty and solidified Wiggles n’ Wriggles as a trusted lifeline for parents navigating the challenges of the pandemic. Even with heightened health and safety demands, they managed to avoid outbreaks and protect both children and staff. “Only two children across all our centres ever tested positive over the course of the pandemic, and it never spread,” says Pia. “That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Another point of great pride is the company’s deep commitment to inclusion. Wiggles n’ Wriggles welcomes children with disabilities, including those rejected by other centres, offering personalised care and flexibility for both the children and their families. “We’ve worked with therapists to adapt our methods, always focusing on the child’s development as a whole,” says Pia. “We provide continuous support to parents and tailor our staffing to meet each child’s needs.”

Faten has come far from her early days, with one centre and Pia, her first recruit, by her side. The duo has learnt much. “If I could give my younger self advice, it would be: trust the process more,” says Pia. “There were so many moments of doubt, but love for the children carried us through.” However, for Faten, the inspiration remains the same as when they started: “Every time I walk into a centre and a child runs up to hug me, I feel that love. Children are honest; if they trust you, you feel it. And that is the reward.”

As Wiggles n’ Wriggles prepares for its next chapter, one thing is certain: the heart that started this journey remains stronger than ever. This is not just a business; it’s a purpose.