Vincent Chan, a former employee of Bright Horizons nursery in north-west London, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for 56 sexual offences, including abusing children at the nursery.
According to a report by the BBC, parents had warned the nursery about Chan's behaviour months before he was caught, but felt ignored and were made to feel "hysterical".
Chan first came to the attention of staff in May 2024 for filming children at the nursery, but parents say they had raised concerns about his behaviour earlier.
Police Investigation
When police investigated, they found "deeply disturbing material" on Chan's devices, including video evidence of children at the nursery being sexually abused.
Chan had worked at the Bright Horizons nursery for seven years, from 2017 to 2024, as an early years practitioner and a nursery nurse.
Parental Concerns
A couple, who wish to remain anonymous, had a son and daughter at the nursery and both were taught by Chan. They first raised concerns when their son began coming home from nursery with bruises and bite marks.
The couple say they were ignored by the nursery and made to feel like "hysterical" parents. They have since had to look through images of Chan sexually abusing girls to establish whether their daughter was one of the victims.
Nursery Response
Bright Horizons said it takes parents' concerns seriously and has a number of ways of supporting any concerns that are raised. However, the couple say they were dismissed and not taken seriously.
Bright Horizons has since closed the nursery and is facing a civil case brought by Leigh Day solicitors on behalf of the parents.
Official Statements
An Ofsted spokesperson said it was made aware of the allegations against Chan in May 2024 and visited the nursery in August 2024. A Camden Council spokesperson said it is participating in an independent Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review.
A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been set up for anyone affected by Chan's offending, on 0800 028 0828.
