Families whose children were abused by a paedophile at a North London nursery have condemned the local council for declining to investigate the scandal. Vincent Chan, described as 'every parent's worst nightmare', committed offences over seven years while employed at a Bright Horizons nursery on Finchley Road.
Chan's Crimes and Sentencing
The 45-year-old, of Stanhope Avenue in Finchley, was jailed for 18 years in February after admitting 56 sexual offences. These included molesting children, sexually assaulting a woman, and taking upskirt videos of girls during a previous job at a primary school. Police discovered a collection of 26,000 indecent images online, including videos of children being raped. Chan also filmed himself sexually assaulting young girls aged three and four.
Legal Action Against Camden Council
Three affected families have initiated legal proceedings against Camden Council, arguing that the council has refused to investigate whether the nursery's health and safety systems failed to protect children. In a letter placing the council on notice for a potential judicial review, the parents stated: 'We as the parents of victims, young children who are some of the most vulnerable people in society, should not have to beg for an investigation like this to be carried out.'
The families contend that safeguarding systems were inadequate, allowing Chan to operate 'in plain sight' for seven years. Concerns raised included staff shortages, complaints about Chan's behaviour, and his excessive use of electronic devices.
Council's Response
Camden Council has said it is 'currently conflicted' due to an ongoing statutory review. A spokesperson said: 'Parents, carers and children are at the heart of everything we do as this Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR) progresses. The fact we are participating in this ongoing statutory review means that we are currently conflicted and cannot begin any investigation into Bright Horizons nursery concerning possible breaches of health and safety legislation.' The council added that it had referred the case to the Health & Safety Executive as an exceptional case.
Bright Horizons Statement
A spokesperson for Bright Horizons said: 'First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the children and families affected by Vincent Chan's horrific crimes. What happened was a profound betrayal of trust by Chan, and we recognise the deep and lasting impact this continues to have. We are working with Camden Council and other relevant authorities to support the ongoing CSPR.'
The families emphasised that this issue extends beyond their own cases, stating: 'This is not only about our families. Every parent who leaves a child at nursery needs to know that, if something goes catastrophically wrong, there is a public authority willing and able to examine whether the nursery operator failed in its duties.'
