Call for CCTV in nurseries after 'sickening case'

Calls have been made for the government to consider making CCTV in nurseries compulsory, in response to the case of paedophile nursery worker Vincent Chan.

Chan, 45, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to 26 charges of sexually abusing young children in his care in north London.

Liberal Democrats education spokesperson Munira Wilson told the Commons that CCTV had been "vital" in securing convictions in a similar case in her Twickenham constituency.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson replied to say that CCTV might still not guarantee safety, and said it "may lead to other forms of abuse", but promised the government would strengthen the ways children were kept safe after the "sickening case".

Ms Phillipson told the Commons: "There may be well be differing views among parents and carers and the sector about CCTV use in settings."

She explained that although some nurseries already use CCTV, she had concerns that widespread use of cameras inside nurseries may cause more problems.

She said: "Mandatory introduction (of CCTV) in nurseries may lead to other forms of child abuse if footage was misused.

"Any guidance or changes brought forward must make sure CCTV is used appropriately."

She said she would appoint a group of experts to develop guidance for nurseries on the safe use of CCTV.

In addition, the education secretary said she would launch a rapid review of local child practice safeguarding.

Ms Phillipson said the review "must shine the strongest possible light on these horrifying incidents", adding that lessons must be learned to prevent similar crimes in future.

"We will root out abuse from wherever it hides, and we will never stop working to rid our society of this evil," she said.

Chan pleaded guilty to 26 charges including sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault by touching and making indecent images depicting the most severe category of child sex abuse.

The families of the victims have questioned how Chan was able to carry out his horrific offending, and are set to take legal action against the nursery.

A spokesperson for Bright Horizons nursery previously said: "We are shocked and appalled by this individual's horrific crimes.

"Our thoughts are first and foremost with the children and families affected, and we are committed to offering support to them during this incredibly difficult time."

They said the company had extensive safeguarding practices in place, including rigorous vetting and DBS criminal records checks.

The company said it had also commissioned a review of its safeguarding procedures.

Chan will be sentenced on 23 January.

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