Camden Council faces legal challenge over nursery abuse case

Camden Council is facing a potential judicial review over its refusal to investigate Bright Horizons nursery, following the conviction of nursery worker Vincent Chan. Chan was jailed for 18 years on February 12 at Wood Green Crown Court after pleading guilty to 56 offences, including filming sexual assaults on girls as young as three. He committed 26 of these offences at the Bright Horizons nursery on Finchley Road, West Hampstead, between 2022 and 2024.

Concerns raised in 2021

The Metropolitan Police investigation, Operation Lanark, revealed Chan had collected at least 26,000 indecent images of children. Families of children who attended the nursery have expressed devastation and anger, stating that concerns about Chan were raised with Camden Council in 2021. They argue that if these concerns had been properly escalated and acted upon, many of his crimes could have been prevented. Bright Horizons confirmed it referred a 2021 concern about Chan to the local authority.

During an internal review in 2021, overseen by the council, Chan was placed on tasks that did not involve contact with children. However, he was later cleared to return to his role caring for young children. The matter was not referred to the police at that time. The nursery where he worked closed in June 2025.

Safeguarding review and legal action

A Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review, commissioned by the Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership, is examining the handling of the case. This review was initially expected in summer 2026 but has now been postponed to early 2027. Families have called for a genuinely independent inquiry, expressing concern that the current review involves those whose decisions are under scrutiny.

The families have also urged Camden Council to initiate a health and safety investigation into Bright Horizons. The council has refused, stating its involvement in the safeguarding review. However, the case has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive. In June, the council received legal notice of a potential judicial review over its unwillingness to conduct its own investigation.

Leigh Day, the law firm representing the families, is in correspondence with the council regarding its duty to ensure a lawful investigation into potential criminal offences by Bright Horizons as a corporate entity. More than 50 affected families have stated they need a full and independent account of events, demanding accountability and action to prevent future occurrences.

A spokesperson for Bright Horizons stated the company is sorry for the impact of Chan's crimes and understands families' frustration. They confirmed Chan was placed on duties without child contact during the 2021 investigation and that the independent review will examine how the case was handled. The company has been strengthening safeguarding measures, including training and the rollout of cameras in childcare settings.

What happens next

The Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review is expected to be published in early 2027. Families are continuing to pursue a judicial review against Camden Council regarding its investigation into Bright Horizons. Bright Horizons is implementing enhanced safeguarding measures across its nurseries.