The NSPCC defines child sexual abuse as any act that forces, tricks, or manipulates a child or young person into sexual activity. In the UK, the legal age of consent is 16, meaning children cannot legally consent to sexual acts. Any sexual activity involving a child is therefore a serious criminal offence.

In 2025 a number of convictions of nursery workers show how challenging it can be to ensure the safety of children in nursery care even when the nursery has in place safeguarding policies and procedures, undertakes the necessary DBS checks and trains its staff. They show the importance of constant vigilance and proactive management.

The case highlighted below is an example of how in any setting involving the care of children safeguarding must be a live consideration at all times and in all activities undertaken. This case serves as a clear reminder that safeguarding is not just a moral obligation, but a legal necessity. Institutions must implement comprehensive measures, including enhanced vetting and DBS checks, safeguarding reporting protocols and mandatory staff training on child protection to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child in their care.

Vincent Chan, 45, worked at a North London nursery between 2017 and 2024. During this period, Chan committed multiple sexual offences against children. He pleaded guilty to 26 offences, including five counts of sexual assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault by touching, eleven counts of taking indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, and six counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child. The offences included images across categories A, B, and C, with Category A depicting the most severe abuse.

Concerns were first raised when a staff member reported that Chan had filmed a child falling asleep and shared the video for “comedic purposes”. This led to a Metropolitan Police investigation, which was described as one of its most harrowing and complex child sexual abuse cases.

Chan was arrested in June 2024 with officers seizing 25 devices from his home and three from the nursery. He was released on bail but dismissed immediately. Forensic analysis completed in July 2025 revealed substantial evidence of contact sexual offences and indecent images. Chan was re-arrested in September 2025 when police seized an additional 26 devices from his home and 15 from the nursery. Sentencing is scheduled for 23 January 2026 at Wood Green Crown Court. The nursery has since closed.

Police have identified four child victims and the NSPCC has launched a helpline for the 700 families whose children attended the nursery during Chan’s employment. The nursery owner has commissioned an external safeguarding review, acknowledging that Chan was able to commit these crimes despite existing measures.