At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students through Art, Drama, and Music while leading exciting school shows.
- Company: Join Saltersgate, a special school dedicated to supporting diverse learners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with unique needs.
- Qualifications: Passion for expressive arts and experience working with children.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative educational environment with a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 43000 £ per year.
Expressive Arts Teacher (Art/Drama/Music)
Main Grade £34,938 - £52,614
Permanent Full Time - 35 hours per week
Currently, Midlothian has 6 secondary schools, 31 primary schools (19 of which have nurseries) and 4 stand alone nursery schools. Our special school, Saltersgate, provides support for children with a range of physical, social, emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties. The schools range in size from our smallest primary school with around 50 children to our largest secondary with over 1600 pupils. We have a diverse range of school catchments, from rural to urban settings. We are fortunate to have a growing number of new build schools, with 15 of our primary schools and 2 secondary having been built within the last 10 years and several new builds planned.
Saltersgate school is the only special school in Midlothian and provides for the wellbeing and education of over 100 children and young people from age 5 to 18 with a range of significant, complex and multiple additional support needs. You will be responsible for delivering the Expressive Arts curriculum, mostly to secondary aged children, along with presenting young people for national qualifications. You will have a lead role in planning school shows and expressive arts whole school activities.
Interviews for the above post will take place 19th March 2026.
Requirements
Pre Employment Checks/Requirements for Teaching Positions
If you are successful, our offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory completion of pre-employment requirements, such as medical screening, two written references, one which must be from your most recent/current employer, verification of your original qualifications and your eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. Registration with the General Teaching Council and a satisfactory PVG check for Regulated Work with Children will also be essential.
General Teaching Council Scotland
Teachers applying for permanent posts should be fully registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS). For further information on registration please visit:
Regulated Work with Children
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children. Successful candidates will require a PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 6 consecutive pay periods. The fee for a PVG Scheme Record Update is £18. You will be required to re-pay this amount to the Council by salary deduction over 2 consecutive pay periods. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
In your application we ask for information under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We ask you to disclose any unspent convictions. Disclosures should be made by writing to or emailing the Employment and Reward Manager, in confidence, giving details of the offence(s), penalty and date(s) of conviction. Applicants should note that failure to disclose a conviction which is subsequently advised through a Disclosure Scotland check may result in the withdrawal of any offer of appointment. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar an applicant from working with Midlothian. Decisions regarding suitability for positions of trust which are subject to vetting will be dependent on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of the offence(s).
For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit:
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way PVG certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
How to Apply
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@ to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Closing Date 8th March 2026
Expressive Arts Teacher (Art/Drama/Music) - Saltersgate - MID07361 in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Expressive Arts Teacher (Art/Drama/Music) - Saltersgate - MID07361 in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Saltersgate and its unique environment. Understanding their values and the specific needs of the students will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a mini lesson or an engaging activity that showcases your teaching style in art, drama, or music. This can really impress the interviewers and give them a taste of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current teachers or staff at Saltersgate. A friendly chat can provide insider info about the school culture and expectations, plus it might just give you a leg up in the application process!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Expressive Arts Teacher (Art/Drama/Music) - Saltersgate - MID07361 in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an Expressive Arts Teacher. We want to see your passion for Art, Drama, and Music shine through!
Showcase Your Creativity: As an Expressive Arts Teacher, creativity is key! Use your application to demonstrate your innovative ideas for engaging students in the arts. Share any past projects or performances that showcase your flair.
Be Clear and Concise: While we love creativity, clarity is just as important. Keep your application well-structured and to the point. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for Saltersgate!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Midlothian Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the Expressive Arts curriculum, especially how it applies to secondary-aged children. Be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you plan to engage students with diverse needs in art, drama, and music.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of past projects or performances you've led. Highlight your experience in planning school shows and expressive arts activities, as this will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage creative events.
✨Understand the School's Needs
Research Saltersgate and its unique environment. Be prepared to discuss how you can support children with complex needs and contribute to their wellbeing through expressive arts. Tailor your answers to show that you understand the school's mission.
✨Prepare for Background Checks
Since this role involves working with children, be ready to discuss your eligibility for the PVG Scheme and any relevant qualifications. Being upfront about your background will show your integrity and readiness for the role.