Parents demand inquiry into nursery worker's return after abuse

More than 50 families, represented by the law firm Leigh Day, are seeking an independent examination into the handling of a 2021 complaint against nursery worker Vincent Chan. Chan was permitted to resume his role at a Bright Horizons nursery on Finchley Road following an investigation by the chain, which had the knowledge of Camden council. In 2022, a year after the initial complaint, Chan filmed himself abusing three-year-old girls in his care.

One mother, whose daughter's images were found on Chan's devices after his arrest, expressed significant anger. She stated, "In 2021, around the time serious concerns had been raised about Vincent Chan, he was made my daughter’s key worker. We trusted him with her most intimate care, believing she was safe. Knowing there was a chance to stop him before he had such extensive access to her is unbearable. I am heartbroken, but above all furious at Bright Horizons for failing to protect our children."

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Calls for Accountability

The affected families have requested a comprehensive and independent account detailing what occurred, who possessed knowledge of the situation, when that knowledge was acquired, and the rationale behind the decisions made. They have also urged Camden council to consider prosecuting Bright Horizons under health and safety legislation, suggesting that the Guardian's report strengthens the case for a criminal investigation.

Answers were promised to the families through a safeguarding review, overseen by an independent reviewer appointed by Camden council. However, this review has been repeatedly postponed and is now scheduled for 2027. Many parents learned of this delay through a recent Guardian article and expressed frustration, stating, "Expressions of regret are meaningless. Families deserve the truth about what happened, accountability for the decisions that were made, and action to make sure this cannot happen again. We cannot wait until 2027 for answers."

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Tulip Siddiq, the Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Kilburn, has written to Camden council requesting a commitment to publish the documentation associated with the 2021 investigation. Siddiq stated, "These revelations are causing significant distress to parents in my constituency, particularly the families directly affected by Chan’s crimes. Families should not have to wait any longer for these answers."

Council and Nursery Responses

Camden council acknowledged public concern regarding the 2021 complaint made to Bright Horizons. The council stated that its local authority designated officer (LADO) provided advice to Bright Horizons in 2021 after the nursery chain informed them of the complaint. The council added that all relevant documents and information have been shared with the independent review team, aiming to provide families with answers through the review's outcome.

A spokesperson for Bright Horizons expressed that the company remains appalled by Vincent Chan's actions and that their thoughts are with the affected children and families. The company encouraged parents to share concerns with the child safeguarding practice review (CSPR), which is examining the case. Bright Horizons stated they are unable to comment further while the review is ongoing, without express written authorisation from the committee.

The handling of the decision to allow Chan to return to work has also drawn attention during Sagal Abdi-Wali's initial week as the Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras. Abdi-Wali previously served as the leader of Camden council, during which time the delayed review was overseen.