Signing up for school lunch (comedor): fixed days, occasional days and cancellations

Key rules

• Cancellation: Cancel in writing before the end of the month, since a cancellation only takes effect from the next month.
• Single-day absences: A day or two off is generally not refunded on a fixed place.
• Occasional days: Occasional days cost more per day than fixed days, so fixed is cheaper if your child eats at school most weeks.
• Local rules: Dates, rates and notice times are set by your region and school, so ask the secretaría.

Enrol with the school enrolment

Ask for the comedor when you enrol your child, usually in late spring or early summer (June to July) for the next school year. Fill in the form at the school secretaría, or use the regional online platform if your region has one. In some regions the comedor and the school place are requested in the same application. Some schools also take requests in September.

Have these ready: bank details for the monthly fee, any allergies, and the days your child needs lunch.

The channel differs by region and school, so ask the secretaría which one applies to you.

Joining mid-year

Your child can normally join during the year if places are available. Apply at the secretaría. The fee starts from the following month or from the date of joining, so ask which one the school uses.

Fixed or occasional days

Choose the option that matches how often your child really eats at school.

• Fixed (fijo): your child eats at school on set days every week, such as all five days or just Monday and Wednesday. You get the regular, lower daily rate.
• Occasional (día suelto): you book particular days that are not planned in advance. Each day costs more, often by about one to two euros per day than a fixed day. Schools usually want a day or two of notice.

If your child needs lunch three or four days a week, ask whether the school offers set days. If it does, that is usually cheaper than booking single days. Rates are set by your region or school.

Absences

Fixed fees are normally charged for every booked day, so a day or two off sick is generally not refunded. Many regions reduce the fee for justified absences of five consecutive school days or more. You usually need to tell the school in advance or give a medical certificate. Some regions set a higher minimum, so check yours.

If you use occasional days, you pay only for days used. Cancel a booked day by the school's notice time, usually the day before or by the morning.

Cancelling or changing days

Tell the school secretaría in writing, by form, email or the school portal. To avoid next month's charge, do it before the end of the month, commonly by the 20th to 25th. Your school sets the exact date, so ask for it.

A cancellation takes effect from the next month. A cancellation in the middle of a month is generally not refunded for that month. Switching from fixed to occasional, or to other days, works the same way. Keep a copy of your message or the confirmation.

If you stop paying

The school or the service company usually sends a reminder first. If the debt continues, the school may start a procedure that can end with the loss of the comedor place. The unpaid amount stays a debt that the administration can claim. Social services are often consulted before a child is excluded, especially for families in difficulty. If you are struggling to pay, tell the school early.

Help with the cost

Subsidies (ayudas de comedor) have their own deadlines, often in spring or at the start of the school year. If your circumstances change, you can usually apply during the year. Apply through the regional platform or the school. The timeline and questions below cover the steps and common queries.

Timeline and deadlines

• Join mid-year if places are available: Any time during the year; the fee starts the following month or from the date of joining

• Book occasional days (día suelto): A day or two in advance, by the notice time the school sets

• Pay any overdue fees after a reminder: As soon as you get the reminder, before the school opens a procedure that can lead to loss of the place

Frequently asked questions

Can my child join the comedor in the middle of the school year?

Yes, your child can normally join the comedor mid-year if places are available, by applying at the school secretaría.

When do I apply for comedor subsidies (ayudas de comedor)?

Subsidy applications have their own deadlines, often in spring or at the start of the school year. If your circumstances change, you can usually apply during the year. Requests go through the regional platform or the school.

How much more does an occasional day cost than a fixed day?

An occasional day (día suelto) often costs about one to two euros more per day than the fixed rate. Rates are set by region or school, and you often need to give a day or two of notice.

What happens if I stop paying the comedor fees?

Unpaid comedor fees usually lead first to a reminder from the school or the service company. If the debt continues, the school may open a procedure that can end in loss of the place, and the amount can still be claimed.