UK child laws offer template for China

Britain's comprehensive laws and its welfare system are crucial in the protection of children enrolled in early-years education, said the founder of the United Kingdom's first Chinese-English nursery school.

Cennydd John, who set up the nursery Hatching Dragons, was speaking in the wake of child abuse allegations in Beijing, in which parents claimed their children were pricked with needles.

He said the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework makes it a legal responsibility for nurseries to ensure the safety of children and nurseries wanting to hire staff must follow vetting procedures.