Join Our Team

Join Our Team: Outdoor Practitioners at Little Bugs Hopetoun Estate

Full-Time and Part-Time Outdoor Practitioners
Location: Little Bugs Abercorn, Hopetoun Estate

Are you passionate about the transformative power of outdoor learning? Do you yearn to extend your expertise in a fully immersive natural setting? Your adventure begins here!

About Us:

Little Bugs Abercorn, nestled within the stunning Hopetoun Estate, is a pioneering outdoor learning environment dedicated to fostering growth, exploration, and education in the heart of nature. We are seeking dynamic and dedicated Outdoor Practitioners to join our enthusiastic team and contribute to our vision of outdoor excellence.

Who We’re Looking For:

Qualified Professionals: Must be registered with the SSSC or GTCS.
– Passionate Educators: Individuals eager to enrich their experience in outdoor education.
– Year-Round Commitment: Practitioners who can dedicate themselves to working throughout the entire year.

What We Offer:

– Competitive Salary of £25,000 per annum (pro rata).
– Professional Growth: Work alongside an industry-leading team committed to your development and success.

-Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our comprehensive pension plan.

-Wellbeing Programme: Enjoy a supportive wellbeing program designed to promote your physical and mental health.- Unique Setting: Thrive in the picturesque and inspiring environment of Little Bugs Abercorn, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Hopetoun Estate.

Key Responsibilities:

– Develop and deliver engaging outdoor educational programs.
– Foster a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all learners.
– Collaborate with a team of passionate professionals to create unforgettable learning experiences.

Why Join Us?

At Little Bugs Abercorn, we believe that the great outdoors is the best classroom. Our practitioners are at the heart of what we do, and we are dedicated to supporting their professional journey every step of the way.

Interview Dates:

Interviews will take place during the week commencing 24th of June.

How to Apply:

Ready to embark on a rewarding journey in outdoor education? Apply now via our online application form. For any further inquiries, please email us at info@littlebugs.co.uk.

Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire and be inspired by the wonders of nature at Little Bugs Abercorn. We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!

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all about

our Values

The little bugs setting allows children to learn through play by using the woodlands and the great outdoors to spark imagination, investigation, and appropriate challenge for each individual child. We promote a growth mind set, understanding that resilience is a skill that should be encouraged from an Early age. Our Visions and Values align with the SHANARRI indicators as well as the Getting it Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) Framework set by the Scottish Government.

about

our Ethos

Learning in the great outdoors

At Little Bugs we give children access to environments and experiences which are unique to being outdoors. Little Bugs offers opportunities for physical activity.

Building Nurturing relationships with the whole nursery community

We will build relationships on trust and encourage a growth mindset as we know this is the best way for a child to become confident and resilient individuals.

Learning through Play

The little bugs nursery environment allows children to play and learn using natural resources which develops a good understanding and respect for nature and the environment.

GROWTH MINDSET

We encourage all children to meet their full potential and support them to recognise their own levels of achievement. We scaffold all our little bugs throughout their learning journey.

our

vision

 At Little Bugs we feel the time has come to go back to basics allowing children to reconnect with their natural surroundings.

Meet the

Team

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Louise
FOUNDER

 Louise’s first degree was in Retail management and consumer studies. Alongside her degree Louise worked In John Lewis department store. Her role involved managing and working on several high profile projects both locally and nationally for the department store. As one of the store recruitment advisors she hired and coached staff for departments across the branch. The opportunity to retrain arose and Louise decided that she wanted to go back to university to complete a postgraduate in Primary Education.  

      Louise is now an experienced Primary School teacher currently working as a learning support teacher within Fife Council. Louise has worked closely with children who have been identified as having additional support needs. Her extensive knowledge and experience of working with children with Autism, ADHD and attachment difficulties has enhanced her skills in ensuring that all children have access to the curriculum for excellence. 

“It is such a privilege to be able to influence and teach young children at a very early point of their lives. I have seen first-hand the benefits of outdoor learning to all children, especially those who need further support as they find their own way to grow and develop as an

individual. I am a mother of two young children, and it is plain to see how much they enjoy being outside. My children are bursting with questions and are at their happiest alongside nature. Through teaching experiences, I have gained an insight into the effects of different social factors and the pattern of behaviour that extends from these experiences. This ignites a passion within me about the importance of early years intervention and investing in young
children to ensure that they are equipped with the tools to navigate through life, giving them the best start possible. With all these factors in mind, I am so excited to finally have the opportunity to build my dream, an outdoor nursery right in the heart of where I grew up.”
Paul
Paul
FOUNDER

Paul is currently working in an engineering role with BT having completed a modern apprenticeship in telecommunications supported by Skills Development Scotland. Paul has always had a keen interest in conservation and the environment which led him to studying these subjects at Glasgow University and graduating with a degree in Geography.

“Since becoming a Dad of two it has really made me think about my own childhood and how it has shaped me as the person I am today. As a young boy all I ever wanted to do was explore the outdoor environment which surrounded me. Brought up in the middle of Edinburgh green space was limited but we were fortunate enough to have woods near us and this is where my young friends and I were often drawn to. In this environment it felt like we were free to do anything we wanted to, and we did but it was how we interacted with each other and what we learnt from the surroundings which really benefited us. The gang huts, tree swings and holes we dug will be long gone now but the social and practical skills as well the appreciation for the world around me is something that is with me today.

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