By Peter.
A 45-year-old nursery worker has admitted to a horrifying catalogue of child sexual abuse after police discovered he had secretly filmed himself assaulting and raping young children at the north London nursery where he worked for nearly seven years.
Vincent Chan, of Finchley, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday 3 December 2025 and pleaded guilty to 26 charges, including:
- 5 counts of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13
- 4 counts of sexual assault by touching
- 11 counts of making indecent images of children
- 6 counts of taking indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of children
Judge David Aaronberg KC told him: “As you well know, you have pleaded guilty to matters which are going to result in a custodial sentence of many years.”
The court heard that Chan’s crimes came to light in June 2024 when a colleague reported him for filming a child falling asleep in their food and setting it to music. That seemingly “minor” act of cruelty triggered his arrest, the seizure of dozens of devices, and the discovery of a vast library of the most serious child abuse material — much of it filmed by Chan himself inside Bright Horizons West Hampstead (now closed).
Families of the identified victims were in court and wept as the charges were read. Solicitors Leigh Day, representing several parents, said they are “still trying to process the sickening discovery” and are demanding answers from Bright Horizons about how Chan was ever employed and how the abuse went undetected for years.
Bright Horizons issued a statement saying they are “shocked and appalled,” confirming they have launched an external review of safeguarding practices and will fully cooperate with the upcoming Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR).
The Metropolitan Police praised the staff member whose whistle-blowing report stopped the abuse, noting that without it “Chan’s crimes could have continued unchecked, putting countless more children at risk.”
The NSPCC has set up a dedicated helpline – 0800 028 0828 – for any family affected or worried about their child.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford described Chan’s offending as “calculated and predatory,” spanning years and exploiting the ultimate position of trust.
Chan will be sentenced on 23 January 2026. He faces a lengthy prison term and lifelong registration as a sex offender.
#ChildProtection #VincentChan #BrightHorizons #JusticeForVictims
