I can't really answer questions about the difficulty of getting a visa...I got a spousal visa as DH is Australian but all of the other stuff...schools, housing etc....I can help with.
I thought I'd post here as an old friend from the UK called me yesterday to ask about how it all worked out for us...she's thinking of making the move and wanted her mind eased.
My DC were 7 and 11 when we came. So not toddlers (which would be easier).