Wild Bugs Lead Teacher/ Practitioner

Location: Hopetoun Estate, South Queensferry

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full year)

Salary: £28,500 per year

Essential Requirement: This post is only open to candidates with a recognised teaching qualification

We are looking for a qualified teacher who is ready to step beyond the traditional classroom and be part of something different. This is an opportunity to take on a lead role within our Wild Bugs pilot—an innovative outdoor learning provision designed to bridge Early Years and First Level through a flexible, child-centred approach.

Wild Bugs has been developed in response to the growing need for alternative, nurturing environments where children can thrive through play, connection, and outdoor learning. It offers a space where children—particularly those who may not flourish in traditional settings—can engage meaningfully with Curriculum for Excellence through real experiences, relationships, and time outdoors.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead an evolving model of provision within the inspiring setting of Hopetoun Estate, South Queensferry, working alongside a supportive and experienced team. This is not a traditional teaching role. Instead, it is a chance to take your knowledge of curriculum and reimagine how it comes to life beyond the constraints of the classroom.

As Lead Practitioner, you will take a central role in developing and delivering the Wild Bugs pilot, acting as a key worker for a small group of up to 8 children. You will support learning through play-based, child-led, and outdoor experiences, follow children’s interests, and help create an environment where curiosity, confidence, and wellbeing come first. You will work closely with a team of practitioners, contributing to observation, reflection, and communication with families, while helping shape a provision that values relationships over routines and depth over pace.

Children attend on flexible patterns, meaning no two days look the same. This allows for a more responsive and relational approach to supporting children’s development and learning.

We are looking for a qualified teacher with a strong understanding of Curriculum for Excellence at Early and First Level, who is open to doing things differently. You should have an interest in play-based and outdoor learning, be confident working outdoors in all weathers, and be excited by the opportunity to lead within an evolving and creative environment. You will be reflective, adaptable, and motivated by making a genuine difference to children’s experiences of learning.

This is a full-year contract within a provision that operates year-round, where consistency is important to the model. In return, you will be part of an innovative pilot shaping future approaches to learning, within a values-driven team that puts children’s wellbeing and engagement at the centre of everything we do.

To apply, please complete the application via MyJobScotland and include a supporting statement outlining your experience and interest in outdoor learning.

Alternatively send your CV to Louise@littlebugs.co.uk