Sorry I don't have any experience with the PND side of things.

I have done sleep school though when my DS2 was 4 months old. I won't beat about the bush it is hard to keep the routine at home. Life happens, when you're at the hospital there is no interruptions that is what you & the nurses are there to do. Having said that if you are not as worried about the day sleeps as much then the night time sleep is generally the easiest in terms of doing winding down etc. At 9 months they are also more aware that this is the long sleep so find that it is when my DS gives us the most trouble You are right in saying they do change what works today may not work tomorrow & with illness, teeth etc sometimes it can be a while till you get back on track continuity is the key, with some giving in along the way for an easy life when you just can't handle anymore. From about 9 months they can remember the routine and it becomes easier. My DS for about 3 months would go down without a hitch for his lunchtime sleep but would cry hysterically when he new it was time for his long sleep.

Could you try going home & if you found it hard going back? Would the sleep school get you a spot straight away? Only you will know in yourself whether staying would do more harm than good for you. Do you have a lot of support at home? Friends & family that you can visit during the day to get out of the house when your DD doesn't want to sleep etc. In the grand scheme it is one more week & even after a week away your DD will have to get used to having the same routine at home.

I hope I have given some useful advice & that you can come to a decision your happy with.

Hansie