Ahem!
I'd suggest Clamback and Henessy - they're a real mom and pop outfit, with a garden centre attached to their school. Cynical Pilot's right about Aminta - she IS scary, but she means well - just don't fly with her! Dan McGowan and Lyn Gray are both lovely. And the school has a barbie every Sunday which is great for meeting other students.
If you can, use the Bob Tait books. I used the ATC books for BAK and PPL, then discovered the Bob books, which I think are more user friendly - although a quick poke around this site will come up with plenty of other opinions. I'd be quite happy to loan you mine.
Best tip I can give to you is talk to everyone: the folks at Concept, Eddie and Aspa at the coffee shop, the students you meet. Take a trial at each school - it may seem like an unnecessary expense, but (take it from me having been through five schools and twelve instructors) it'll save grief down the line.
Make sure you fly every week, and if you can get any block time, go for it!
And enjoy!
Blue skies,
GWAS