Parents launch legal challenge against council over refusal to investigate nursery after abuse scandal 

Vincent Chan, 45, was sentenced in February 2026 to 18 years in custody for 56 sexual offences, including 20 offences against children at Bright Horizons Nursery on Finchley Road, north London.

Chan worked at the nursery for seven years until 2024. The families argue that the whole period of his employment at the nursery must now be scrutinised, including the systems that were supposed to protect children throughout that time.

According to the families, represented by law firm Leigh Day, Camden Council has “shifted its position”, initially suggesting an investigation would be too complex and lengthy, later claiming to be conflicted in performing the role through their involvement in the Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review investigation being conducted.

The families claim the arguments are “flawed” and that the council must accept its enforcement role.

Meanwhile, the families argue that Camden's refusal to investigate is unlawful on human rights grounds, because the children affected were among the most vulnerable members of society and were entitled to effective scrutiny of alleged systemic failings that may have exposed them to serious risk.

In a letter before claim, three families have said the council is under a duty to investigate whether Bright Horizons' safeguarding systems failed to protect children.

Leigh Day said: “The impacted families have highlighted numerous issues regarding operations at the nursery which they say may have resulted in a failure to prevent Chan's abuse. These include staff shortages, complaints from parents and staff about Chan's behaviour, and Chan's prolific use of digital devices.

“The families say the law is clear: under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, it is Camden Council’s responsibility to investigate whether Bright Horizons failed to protect children in its care from serious risks to their health and safety.”

A wider group of families has also instructed lawyers to bring a civil claim against Bright Horizons for breach of contract for the company’s safeguarding failures that permitted Chan’s crimes, including neglect and cruelty.    

The civil claim against Bright Horizons is separate from the proposed judicial review challenge against the council.

Leigh Day solicitor Catriona Rubens said: “The families impacted by Chan’s abuse feel a great deal of concern that he was able to offend unchecked at the nursery for such a prolonged period, during which time a number of troubling behaviours were observed and complained about by both parents and staff. It is crucial that Bright Horizons is fully investigated to identify whether the nursery’s systems and operations may have placed the children’s health and safety at risk.  

“Our view and that of counsel we have instructed is that the law is clear that Camden Council is responsible as the enforcing authority and must undertake this investigation. Our clients hope this legal letter will prompt action from the council, and see steps urgently taken to scrutinise whether Bright Horizons has breached health and safety regulations.”  

A spokesperson for Camden Council said: "Parents, carers and children are at the heart of everything we do as this Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR) progresses. The fact we are participating in this ongoing statutory review, and the matters under consideration, means that we are currently conflicted and cannot begin any investigation into Bright Horizons nursery concerning possible breaches of health and safety legislation.

"We appreciate that this is frustrating and upsetting for parents and carers but we will revisit the issue of conflict once the review has completed. We also consider that this is an exceptional case that meets the criteria for referral to the Health & Safety Executive, as the national regulator. We did this at the earliest opportunity."

A spokesperson for Bright Horizons said: "First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the children and families affected by Vincent Chan’s horrific crimes. What happened was a profound betrayal of trust by Chan, and we recognise the deep and lasting impact this continues to have.

"We are working with Camden Council and other relevant authorities to support the ongoing Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR). It would not be appropriate for us to comment on any proposed judicial review at this time."

Lottie Winson