Barnet nursery worker jailed for 18 years over 56 sexual offences
Families demand answers as independent review into safeguarding concerns is underway.
Vincent Chan, who worked at the Bright Horizons nursery in Barnet between 2017 and 2024, was sentenced in February to 18 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to 56 sexual offences. The offences included filming a child falling asleep and setting the footage to music, as well as amassing a collection of over 26,000 indecent images online. During sentencing, the judge described Chan as a "perverse and depraved" individual.
Calls for Investigation into Safeguarding Failures
More than 50 families affected by Chan's crimes, who are pursuing legal action against the nursery, have publicly called for a thorough and independent inquiry. They stated, "We need a full and independent account of what happened, who knew what, when they knew it and why these decisions were made." These families are seeking clarity on why complaints made in 2021 were not escalated to the police, allowing Chan to continue working with children.
Alison Millar, a solicitor representing the victims' families, indicated that the Guardian newspaper's reporting strengthened the case for a criminal investigation into Bright Horizons. She urged Camden Council, as the responsible authority, to ensure an investigation into potential breaches of health and safety legislation.
Ongoing Safeguarding Review
An independent Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR) is currently examining the circumstances surrounding the case. Camden Council confirmed it has shared all relevant documents and information with the CSPR team. The council stated it is committed to improving safeguarding practices and will act on the review's recommendations upon its publication, which is anticipated in early 2027.
Bright Horizons stated it is "appalled by Vincent Chan's crimes" and that its thoughts are with the affected children and families. The nursery has encouraged parents to share concerns with the CSPR and noted its policy is to take all concerns seriously and refer them to appropriate authorities when necessary. The nursery is unable to comment further while the review is ongoing.
Questions this report answers
01What was Vincent Chan jailed for?
Vincent Chan was jailed for 18 years after admitting to 56 sexual offences. He worked as a nursery worker at Bright Horizons in Barnet between 2017 and 2024.
02When were concerns about Vincent Chan first raised?
Concerns about Vincent Chan's conduct were initially raised in 2021. However, the nursery did not refer the matter to the police at that time.
03What is happening now regarding the safeguarding concerns?
An independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review is currently underway to examine the circumstances. Findings are expected to be published in early 2027, and Camden Council has shared relevant documents with the review team.
04What do the affected families want?
The families affected by Chan's crimes are calling for a full and independent investigation into what happened, who knew about the complaints, and why decisions were made that allowed him to continue working with children.
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CourtsCamden nursery worker abuse: Parents demand inquiry into handling of 2021 complaint
