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Monday 23/02/2026

Nursery Worker Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse in London

Middle-aged man stands before a judge in a courtroom.
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Vincent Chan, a nursery worker, pleaded guilty to 26 charges of child sexual abuse at Wood Green Crown Court.
  • The abuse occurred at Bright Horizons nursery in north London, involving children aged two to four.
  • The Metropolitan Police described the case as "harrowing and complex," with over 25,000 indecent images found.
  • Parents of victims expressed outrage over safeguarding failures and are considering legal action against the nursery.
  • Bright Horizons has initiated an external review of its safeguarding practices following the revelations.

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community, Vincent Chan, a nursery worker, has admitted to sexually abusing young children under his care at a north London nursery. Chan, 45, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to 26 charges, including sexual assault by penetration and making indecent images of children. The charges relate to his time at Bright Horizons nursery, a prominent early-years care provider.

Investigation and Charges

The investigation into Chan's activities began after a whistleblower raised concerns, leading to one of the most challenging cases undertaken by the Metropolitan Police. Detectives uncovered over 25,000 indecent images and videos on devices seized from the nursery, some of which depicted the abuse of children aged two to four. Chan's offences, committed between 2022 and 2024, included filming his attacks using nursery iPads.

Parental Outrage and Legal Action

The revelations have left parents devastated and demanding answers. In a joint statement, they criticized Bright Horizons for failing to prevent the abuse, questioning how Chan passed vetting procedures and why safeguarding systems failed so comprehensively. Some parents are considering legal action against the nursery, citing ignored complaints about Chan's behavior prior to his arrest.

Nursery's Response and Safeguarding Review

Bright Horizons has expressed shock and pledged to cooperate fully with an external review of its safeguarding practices. A spokesperson acknowledged that despite existing measures, Chan was able to commit these crimes, and the nursery is committed to ensuring accountability and preventing future incidents.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Chan, who previously worked as a karate instructor and school employee, will be sentenced on January 23. Judge David Aaronberg KC indicated that Chan faces a lengthy custodial sentence for his crimes. Family members of the victims attended the court hearing, visibly distressed as the charges were read out.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The case against Vincent Chan raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of safeguarding measures in childcare settings. As the external review of Bright Horizons' practices unfolds, it may lead to broader changes in how nurseries vet and monitor staff. Legal experts suggest that the findings could prompt regulatory reforms to enhance child protection standards across the sector.

The potential legal action by parents could also set a precedent for accountability in cases of institutional failure. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing such tragedies in the future.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Metropolitan Police
Additional article image
Image Source: Julia Quenzler