VMT terms of engagement in schools

The employment status of Visiting Music Teachers in schools is a notoriously grey area. Despite often performing identical roles, employees will have a contract of employment that clearly sets out roles and responsibilities, while self-employed VMTs have terms of engagement that are often vague or implied, with no formal agreements in place. Even if a written agreement with a school states ‘self-employment’, what happens in reality plays a significant role in determining actual status.

VMTs, heads of music and school bursars are often unfamiliar with government regulations. Generally, everyone muddles along, with the smooth running of a music department supported by generous helpings of mutual goodwill. But scratch beneath the surface and there are profound differences between the rights of employed and self-employed VMTs. These are often exposed in disputes between self-employed VMTs and schools.