Hi Okavango,
I do believe that most companies look for the CPL and IR at the same school. Several of the applications when applying for jobs do ask that both have been completed at the same school. I am not too sure that whether this is universal practice, however, I do believe that so you do not limit a potential job both the CPL/IR should be completed at the same school.
Good decision on continue working, I know several people who did the same thing. Working on CPL then going back to work then going to do IR. Taking 6 weeks off work for the latter stage.
Good luck!