Bright Horizons nursery worker admits abuse of young children

A former staff member at a Bright Horizons nursery has admitted the sexual abuse of children over a period of 19 months.

Posted on 03 December 2025

Vincent Chan, aged 45, of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, pleaded guilty to 26 counts of abuse, 20 against children at Bright Horizons nursery in Finchley Road, Camden, between August 2022 and March 2024 when he appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday December 3, 2025.

He is due to be sentenced on 12 February 2026.

The court heard the crimes included: five counts of sexual assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault by touching, 11 counts of taking indecent images and six counts of making indecent images.

A police investigation into abuse at Bright Horizons in Finchley Road is still ongoing, but the Finchley Road branch is no longer operating.

A Child Safeguarding Practice Review is being undertaken by Camden Safeguarding Partnership following a Rapid Review begun on 6 November 2025.

Specialist abuse lawyers in Leigh Day’s human rights team currently represent a group of families affected by the abuse offences in a civil legal claim.

Following the court hearing, families issued a statement through their lawyers, Leigh Day partner and head of abuse team Alison Millar and solicitor Catriona Rubens.

They said:

"As parents we are still trying to process the sickening discovery that our children were subjected to despicable abuse by Vincent Chan at Bright Horizons nursery.

“In admitting the charges, we are spared the prospect of hearing Vincent Chan's crimes at Bright Horizons nursery described in graphic detail in a trial. We trust the judge to pass the strongest sentence to fit the crimes Vincent Chan has committed against young children, innocent victims who could not fight back.

“We feel that Bright Horizons has failed us, and we want answers. How was someone like Vincent Chan employed? Why did safeguarding systems fail completely? And how were such horrific crimes against children able to continue for so long without the staff responsible for safeguarding at Bright Horizons nursery acting?

“We are concerned that failures in management and supervision at Bright Horizons allowed this abuse to go undetected, and we are committed to securing accountability for our children.

“We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police Service for their assistance and support so far but appreciate that their investigations in this case are not yet complete.”

Alison Millar, head of the abuse team and partner at law firm Leigh Day, said:

“This is an absolutely shocking case: even as an experienced Abuse Claims lawyer, it is difficult to hear the descriptions of Chan’s sexual offences against such very young, defenceless children, as well as wider concerns about maltreatment of the children in his care.

“In addition to the abhorrent sexual offending, there is also a wider group of families affected by Chan's behaviour.

“We urge the police to review their decision not to further pursue Child Neglect charges against Chan, and to complete their review of Chan’s devices and images.

“The families we are in contact with feel very strongly that there were major failings of safeguarding at Bright Horizons Finchley Road nursery. We look forward to the findings of the Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review but there are many questions that need to be answered.”

Further charges

On Thursday 29 January 2026, Chan admitted 26 further sexual offences charges when he appeared by videolink from HMP Pentonville before Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.

He pleaded guilty to six counts of outraging public decency; nine counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child; making indecent images of a child in 2011; sexually assaulting a female in July 2011; eight counts of voyeurism.

Sentencing for these charges is also due to take place on 12 February at Wood Green Crown Court.

The families represented by Leigh Day have been assured that none of the latest charges relates to Chan’s work at Bright Horizons nursery in Finchley Road.

Following the latest court appearance, families represented by Leigh Day issued a second statement. They said:

"We are sickened to learn that Chan committed appalling offences apart from his time at Bright Horizons Finchley Road. Our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected by these new charges.

"Understandably, these further crimes raise deeply troubling questions about how safeguarding systems could have failed so badly that someone who was a prolific and persistent offender was able to secure employment as a nursery worker and offend without intervention for a number of years.

"The harm caused by crimes like these does not end in court; victims and their families live with the consequences every day. Safeguarding is meant to protect children, and when it fails, accountability cannot stop with one individual.

"Organisations and those responsible for enforcing safeguarding standards must answer too. No parent should have to wonder whether the most basic checks, protections and accountability are optional."

Any families who have concerns in relation to this case can contact Alison Millar and Catriona Rubens directly.

A dedicated NSPCC helpline has also been set up, with dedicated child protection specialists able to advise and take necessary action to ensure the right support is in place for families. The helpline number is: 0800 028 0828.

This content was updated 30 January 2026.

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