You won't receive any transmissions unless you've programmed the scanner to check the relevant frequencies. For East Midlands Airport try 119.650 (AM, Simplex) for the approach frequency, 121.900 (AM, Simplex) for the ground frequency, 124.000 (AM, Simplex) for the tower and 128.225 (AM) for the Aerodrome Terminal Information Service.
For more frequencies, try here:
http://www.scannerfreqs.co.uk/
or here:
http://www.radiowaves.fsnet.co.uk/links.html
Better still, buy a copy of the UK Scanning Directory:
http://www.stewart-aviation.co.uk/rs/index-pag e6.html
Chris