Just a thought have you thought about having an au pair? I am a single parent in Perth of a 4 year old and a teenager. I work shift work and also have recently started my own business so really stretched with working hours at the moment. Having an au pair is the only way I can manage my children with school drop offs, after school activities etc. It is so affordable and and flexible and all you need is an extra bedroom. I pay $150 a week for 25 hours with bed and board.