London, UK – A former nursery worker will be sentenced on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after admitting to years of child sexual abuse, in a case that has reignited debate over safeguarding in childcare facilities across Britain.
Vincent Chan, 45, pleaded guilty to 56 counts of abuse, including molesting four girls aged three and four at a north London nursery between 2022 and 2024. He also admitted to downloading thousands of indecent images of children and committing offences dating back to 2011.
The sentencing will take place at Wood Green Crown Court in London.
Government Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament on Wednesday that the government is consulting on whether to make CCTV mandatory in nurseries, following multiple cases of abuse in childcare centres.
“They’re harrowing cases for everyone in this country. The safety of children is, of course, paramount, and we’re acting to keep them safe,” Starmer said.
Chan’s Pattern of Abuse
Chan worked at the London nursery for seven years until his suspension in 2024. Investigators revealed he filmed himself abusing children during naptime and had previously worked at a north London school from 2007 to 2017, where he secretly filmed young girls.
Detective Lewis Basford of the Metropolitan Police described Chan as a “dangerous and predatory individual” who deliberately sought positions of trust to commit crimes unchecked.
Families of victims from the now-closed Bright Horizons nursery said they were “sickened” by the revelations, questioning how safeguarding systems failed to prevent Chan’s employment despite his history.
More than 50 families have joined legal action against Bright Horizons, accusing the provider of ignoring concerns.
Wider Safeguarding Failures
The sentencing comes just days after another nursery worker, Nathan Bennett, was convicted in Bristol of multiple sexual offences against five boys aged two and three. He was caught after CCTV footage revealed his abuse, leading to his arrest and the nursery’s closure.
Conclusion
Chan’s sentencing underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguarding measures in UK childcare facilities. With multiple cases emerging, the government’s consideration of mandatory CCTV highlights growing pressure to ensure nurseries are safe spaces for children.
