NDNA safeguarding update: What the Chan case means for providers
The recent case of child sexual abuse within a nursery setting has sent shockwaves across the nation. At NDNA, our thoughts are completely with the children and families affected by these appalling crimes.
No parent should ever face such unimaginable trauma, and we stand with the victims while continuing our commitment to championing safe and joyful environments for every child. This case will also have a traumatic and detrimental effect on its nursery staff and those across the sector, who work tirelessly to provide children with quality care and happiness on a daily basis.
The gravity of this case has drawn widespread national attention and was raised recently in Parliament, where the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, faced urgent questions from ministers and MPs.
The exchanges in Parliament mark the beginning of what is likely to become one of the most significant periods of safeguarding reform in the early years sector for more than a decade. While many details will be shaped by ongoing reviews, a clear direction is emerging from the government, including greater transparency, stronger digital safeguarding, scrutiny of nursery chains and a national focus on child protection.
To support providers during this period of change, we have prepared a sector-focused summary of the key themes, urgent considerations for settings and the potential measures that may be introduced in the near future.
Safeguarding reviews
Parliament was updated that:
- A live police investigation continues and sentencing is pending
- A rapid review of events leading up to the offences has concluded
- A full Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review, led by Sir David Holmes CBE has begun and will report within 6 months
- The NSCPCC helpline is in place for families and staff affected.
This review is expected to shape the next phase of national safeguarding expectations in the workforce.
Delays in examining digital devices
MPs expressed concern that the perpetrator’s devices were not examined for over a year.
Other reports raised included:
- Slow police response times when cases involve children
- Inadequate digital monitoring policies in early years settings.
The Secretary of State confirmed these issues will be examined by both the local review and the Home Office.
Pressure for sector-wide CCTV is mounting
CCTV was mentioned repeatedly as a key theme, particularly after questions around missing or overwritten footage.
Bridget Phillipson announced that the DfE will:
- Establish an expert advisory group to develop national guidance on safe and effective use of CCTV in early years settings
- Provide clear expectations, best practice and technical requirements
- Consider both the benefits (transparency, accountability) and risks (misuse of recordings, data privacy).
Mandatory CCTV is not confirmed, but significant scrutiny and strong political pressure suggests some major changes ahead.
Whistleblowing and Ofsted’s role
Concerns mentioned:
- Whether whistleblower reports were handled swiftly enough
- Whether Ofsted responded rigorously to early warnings
- Strengthening staff confidence in reporting safeguarding concerns.
Bridget Phillipson emphasised that whistleblowers should be fully protected and that learning from this case will inform future EYFS updates.
Digital device controls
MPs raised serious concerns about:
- Staff taking work-related devices off site
- Lack of clear controls around personal digital equipment
- The need for robust digital safeguarding policies across the workforce.
This area is expected to be a major focus in forthcoming guidance and inspections.
Staff vetting and supervision
Questions from MPs included:
- Enhanced background checks for staff
- Mandatory two-adult supervision rules
- Sector-wide accountability for staff moving between settings.
While not yet formally proposed, these measures are being actively discussed and are likely to feature in future consultations.
Reform of Ofsted and nursery chain oversights
Upcoming changes to the Ofsted framework include:
- New providers inspected within 18 months (from April)
- Inspection cycle shortened from six to four years
- Additional funding for inspector training
- Stronger accountability for nursery chains – safeguarding concerns identified in one setting will be considered across the organisation
- Increased corporate oversight and reporting.
A written response from Ofsted is expected addressing chain responsibility when settings close or staff move elsewhere.
Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse
The Home Office’s decision not to proceed with full mandatory reporting faced strong pushback. Bridget Phillipson confirmed she will continue discussing this with the Home Office and the issue is likely to stay on the agenda.
New Child Protection Authority
The Government is progressing plans to establish a Child Protection Authority to provide national oversight, share lessons widely and ensure consistency across all settings, including unregistered provision. A consultation into this is to be launched shortly.
What happens next?
The Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review will run for six months, during which:
- Emerging risks will be shared with the Department for Education
- The national panel will maintain oversight
- Further announcements may be released.
The sector should expect:
- Clearer EYFS safeguarding updates
- Stronger digital safeguarding standards
- New expectations for nursery chains
- A national framework for CCTV use
- Potential progress toward mandatory reporting.
- child protection
- childcare
- Department for Education
- early education
- early years
- NDNA
- safeguarding
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