Understand
Families demand answers over former nursery worker Vincent Chan's 2021 complaint
Overview
Families affected by the crimes of Vincent Chan, a former nursery worker jailed for 18 years for sexual offences, are demanding a full, independent account after learning a complaint was made against him in 2021 before he was allowed to return to work. More than 50 affected families are taking legal action against Bright Horizons nursery in Barnet and calling for investigations, while an independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review is under way.
Key points
- Vincent Chan was sentenced to 18 years in prison in February after admitting 56 sexual offences committed while working at Bright Horizons nursery in Barnet between 2017 and 2024.
- Reports revealed that concerns about Chan were raised in 2021, but the matter was investigated internally by the nursery with council oversight and was not referred to the police.
- More than 50 affected families taking legal action are demanding a full and independent account of who knew what and why decisions were made.
- An independent local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR) is currently under way, with findings expected in early 2027.
- Parents are pushing for national nursery system reforms, including mandatory CCTV in every room, a strict digital device policy, and a national reporting system.