Average child will catch 15 illnesses during first year of playschool

The average child will catch 15 illnesses during their first year in playschool.

This includes 12 respiratory bugs, like coughs and colds, with kids missing an average 13 days in their first year at creche.

However, researchers at University College London say it helps to build up toddlers’ immune systems.

The study’s findings call for employers to recognise that staff with young children may need to be given more sick days or childcare-related absences.