The non approved IR is still available but you have to pass it by June 30 2002.
As for the exams you will need to already hold UK IR exams(or CPL/ATPL) exams. If you didn't get these by june 30 2001 you need to do the JAR exams. I don't know if JAR do a PPL IR course.
The best people to ask are the CAA. Call them up, they'll tell you.
Good luck