What's the protocol for paying tutors over the holiday periods?

[Speckydots]

We have a tutor once a week for DC (maths/science). I think she's brilliant, and I want to ensure we retain her services when he goes into the next academic year.

What's the usual protocol with payment over the summer? We are away for a few weeks, and I'm not sure if I was intending to use her until DC returns to school - but I also want to be very fair and I'm happy to pay if that's what's expected.

I wouldn’t expect to pay over the summer, especially if the tutor isn’t tutoring!

I think it depends on your contract / agreement.
DD's English tutor only worked term time as he was a teacher.
If someone is doing it as their main business they may well expect you to keep going over the summer and pay for any missed sessions.

I don’t pay over summer but do discuss my intentions for the following year, so next year I know when my DCs tutoring sessions will be and the payment schedule. It means my tutor can plan her workload/look for new business over summer if need be and knows what her diary will look like.

You should have agreed a contract with the tutor before lessons started. Perhaps suggest one if you continue the arrangement, so that holidays and cancellations are clear.

There was a recent thread from the tutor’s perspective recently. She was being absolutely shafted by not having a retainer in place. Might be worth a search.

You should do whatever it says in your contract. If you don't have a contract and she is available and would be working if you weren't on holiday, I would pay her. If she shuts down and takes off to Ibiza all summer and is not available, then I would not pay her.

Agree with whatever the contract specified.
I don't charge mine a retainer but that's clearly specified in my contract.

Hi all, thanks - I've emailed her and asked her. I didnt actually think to ask. She's a student at uni, she tutors friends of mine kids, so there was no official discussion.

Whatever she does typically will be fine with me. I feel very sorry for people whose work is seasonal, so i do try to pay something - maybe 50% - during that time.