Operation Lanark Learning Review to get underway as Independent Reviewer appointed
A Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review (LCSPR) into child abuse at a now closed Bright Horizons Nursery branch in North London will begin in January. The Camden Safeguarding Partnership has pledged to ensure that parent and carer voices are “front and central” as the review is carried out.
Independent Reviewer Sarah Lawrence has been appointed by the Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership and will engage with parents, staff and lead safeguarding organisations before submitting her report in Summer 2026.
A LCSPR is a statutory process carried out when a child dies or suffers serious harm and abuse or if neglect is suspected. Its purpose is to identify improvements to how agencies work together to safeguard children and prevent similar incidents in the future. The time period under review will be from 1 May 2017, the perpetrator's start date at Bright Horizons to 3 December 2025, the date of plea hearing.
The perpetrator, a former worker at Bright Horizons, was convicted of 26 child sexual abuse offences on 3rd December 2025. Chan is set to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on 23 January 2026.
Leader of Camden Council, Councillor Richard Olszewski, said:
"I'm pleased that the Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership is moving quickly to get this important review underway. The pain that has been caused by this man's actions is hard to comprehend. We are committed to talk to parents and carers, speak with staff and organisations, and learn about the steps we can take to prevent something like this ever happening again.
"It's very encouraging to see that parents and carers will be engaged in this review, and that they will be at the centre of its considerations along with the children who were victims of this horrendous abuse. I understand how difficult it may be for some families to engage in this process, but I want to reassure them that the Council will do all it can to support them as the Review is carried out.
“I would urge anyone who is struggling to come to terms with what has happened to get in touch – we are here to help.
“We have commissioned an NSPCC Helpline - 0800 028 0828 - for all families that are directly affected by this matter. The helpline is there to provide information and support, and as an alternative route to report any information or safeguarding concerns. It will run from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm at weekends for the foreseeable future.
"To speak to a social worker, parents should contact the Camden children and families service by phone on 020 7974 3317, or by email at LBCMASHadmin@camden.gov.uk.
“We are here for our residents, and together with our partners, we are supporting families."
To read more, visit the Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership website: cscp.org.uk/operation-lanark
Resources for parents
Affected families can access a range of support:
- They can call the dedicated NSPCC helpline number on 0800 028 0828. The operating times are 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays for the foreseeable future. They can also email NSPCC on help@nspcc.org.uk
- They can contact our Children’s Social Care team on 020 7974 3317 or email them at LBCMASHadmin@camden.gov.uk
- They can speak to their GP
Anyone with information that they feel may be important can contact the Met’s investigation team directly via email at OpLanark@met.police.uk or by calling 020 7175 3384.
Camden Council has set up a dedicated web page – camden.gov.uk/OperationLanark – which includes all of the above information and will be updated as needed.