Families take legal action against West Hampstead nursery where children were abused
Concerns raised over safeguarding and accountability.
Families of children who were abused at a nursery in West Hampstead are taking legal action as they claim serious failings in safeguarding allowed Vincent Chan to carry out the crimes.
Chan, 45, who worked at Bright Horizons nursery on Finchley Road, filmed himself molesting girls aged three and four during naptime and admitted to downloading thousands of indecent images of children. He also pleaded guilty to further offences involving other victims outside his role at the nursery.
Initially 12 families were pursuing legal action, but by Friday the number rose to 46, according to legal firm Leigh Day, which is representing the claimants. The families, whose children were either directly affected by Chan’s abuse or faced mistreatment, are seeking redress for failures in the nursery's safeguarding policies and procedures.
Concerns over safeguarding failures
In a statement issued on Sunday, the families accused Bright Horizons of failing to take parental concerns about Chan’s behaviour seriously and of demonstrating a "consistent culture of brushing concerns aside.”
They are urging Camden Council to investigate Bright Horizons as a corporate entity and said, "This case raises serious questions about staff recruitment, supervision and safeguarding at childcare providers."
Leigh Day also confirmed that the families are making claims for breach of contract and neglect over the safeguarding failures that allowed Chan to commit his crimes.
Support measures in place
Chan worked at the Finchley Road nursery between 2017 and 2024. Families of the estimated 700 children who attended the nursery during this time have been contacted and are being offered specialist support.
A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been established for those affected by Chan’s offending, on 0800 028 0828, operating Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and weekends 9am to 6pm.
Camden Safeguarding Partnership is conducting a local child safeguarding practice review, and parents have been invited to contribute to the process.
Authorities call for accountability
Alison Millar, head of Leigh Day's abuse team, emphasised the families’ concerns, stating, “They are understandably extremely concerned that a perpetrator was able to work at the nursery for so many years and misuse nursery devices to facilitate his offending.”
Bright Horizons responded with an acknowledgment of the seriousness of the case. A spokesperson reiterated that the safety of children is their highest priority and expressed commitment to learning lessons from the events.
Camden Council also said they would support affected families and consider further actions following the safeguarding review.
Vincent Chan, who remains in custody, is due to be sentenced for 56 offences on 12th February.
Anyone wishing to report information to police about Chan can contact [email protected] or call 101 quoting reference CAD3697/1DEC.