Daycare For 1 Year Old

I plan to return to work at the beginning of next year and will need to put my DS in childcare. He will be one then.
1. I'm looking for family/home day care type situations so he's still in someone's home. I'm hoping, that way, that he and I will both have a 'relationship with an Aunty' as opposed to 'touchbase with an employee'.
2. I'm planning for a shorter workday instead of 8/9-5 and working all 5 days instead of working 4 days a week. This way, he knows weekdays are 'school days' and weekends are 'home days', perhaps making transition to school a bit easier. (I HATED going to school.) I'll need to negotiate the hours with my employer but I think I can swing it.

Would like to hear feedback on this thought process from experienced hands. Happy to have these preconceptions challenged!

3. My considerations for a day care place are:
----- Caring, considerate and thoughtful (as in not just mechanical) carers
----- Hygienic location
----- Activities and reading (no plopping in front of TV)
----- Location - close to home
The first 3 are obviously judgement calls and I'd like to hear how you made assessments.

Would love Australia/Sydney based info!

Thanks!